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UNITED STATES OP AMERICA. 






THE ADVENTURES OF 


FERDINAND TOMASSO. 


BY 

LEHMOS. 






NOV 


rofwAS"’" 




5 ^^ 






NEW YORK: 

THE lEVING 00., PUBLISHERS. 
1894 




Copyright, 1894, 


BY 

THE IRVING COMPANY. 


CONTENTS 


PAGE. 

Letter I 7 

“ 11 17 

“ II, Part Second 31 

III 

“ III, Part Second 61 

“ IV 7( 

“ IV, Part Second 81 

. “ V 9g 

“ V, Part Second .... 118 

“ VI .* 129 


VII 


142 



n* 











INTRODUCTION. 


The recital of incidents and the circumstances sur- 
rounding the same, that may be molded into a com- 
plete narrative, are often of little value unless accom- 
panied with their history where it is possible to produce 
it. It is not possible to give it in this connection, and 
it is to be regretted that the history of the letters that 
follow' has been lost and rendered a blank through the 
death of their former possessor. 

From the letters themselves, however, the editor 
surmises that they were written by a young adven- 
turer, about the time intervening between the years 
1517 and 1522. They are valuable not alone as a work 
of fiction, as might appear to the reader at first, but in 
this, that they in a measure confirm many of the 
scenes and incidents recorded by writers of history as 
having taken place probably in Mexico shortly after 
the discovery of America. The letters, principally, 
are reproduced as they were written, with the excep- 
tion that in some places it was found necessary to 
supply where time and age had joined teams and 
accomplished their work of destruction. In such cases 
the editor has used his best judgment in connecting 
the events. 

The reader will no doubt notice that Ferdinand 
Tomasso seems to have repeated what he had to say 


IV 


INTRODUCTION, 


in his letters, but in his last communication he wrote 
that such might be the case, and gave an explanation 
of the same. 

Without any means of learning the order in which 
they were written, the editor alone is responsible for 
the order in which the letters are here given. By this 
order there may appear a seeming inconsistency, but 
he hopes that there is less than by any other. It is 
possible that through time some of the connecting let- 
ters have been lost. If so, it will in a measure explain 
disconnections. 


THE ADVENTURES OF 


FERDINAND TOMASSO. 


FIEST LETTER 

Dear Sir : Little did I anticipate, when last I bid 
adieu to you in London, that my lot would be cast 
where it has, and that in the comparative short space 
of three years time since I last saw you it would be 
possible for one to witness the many striking and im- 
pressive incidents that I have. But since such has 
been the case I will record some of them as best I 
can, and forward to you when the opportunity offers, 
hoping that you will not be wearied thereby. 

The principal events that took place in our lives 
during the four years that we profitably, as I hope, 
attended the private school together, are fresh in my 
memory. My present condition and surroundings fur- 
nishes a background against which those incidents 
are mirrored, and as time goes on they become even 
brighter. 

This which I write will, no doubt, cause you to re- 
flect on the lessons, in ancient history, that we studied 
while together. You will, also, call to mind the 
startling tragedies therein so plainly described, which 


8 ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO. 

then appeared to us as fairy tales, and not worthy of 
our belief. It is fitting that you should think of these in 
this connection. The facts contained in these letters 
may startle, and I fear you will doubt the truthfulness 
of some of the statements. Be that as it may, I will 
attempt to record correctly according to the best 
means that I had, or may have, facts concerning my 
voyage here and the country where I am under pecu- 
liar circumstances forced to dwell. 

It should not surprise you to hear from me in almost 
any part 6f the world, for when we together studied of 
wars and discoveries, I think you will remember that 
I informed you of the desire I had to go where man 
had never been ; penetrate the unexplored forests, and 
thus probably win for myself the name of an explorer. 
You partially admitted at that time that you also 
would enjoy the same experience, but I thought it 
was through sympathy for me that you so expressed 
yourself. I have the pleasure now of writing you 
that in a measure I have accomplished and realized 
those dreams of my early youth, as you will see further 
on. 

Immediately after finishing my education, as you 
will no doubt remember, I went to the home of my 
parents in Spain. I had remained at school so long 
and become so unsettled that my former attachments 
for the city where my parents resided were no more. 
In fact it was almost impossible for me to content my- 
self there with any kind of employment. 

My parents’ desires were that I enter the medical 
profession. To this end I did manage to partially 
apply myself to the study of medicine and acquire a 
small amount of medical learning. I never have re- 


ADVENTTJRES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO. 


9 


gretted the time so spent, for the knowledge that I 
gained there has been of great service to me, and I 
hope to others that I have treated. But I soon be- 
came discontented and almost disgusted with my life 
and study there ; the old desire of exploration again 
seized me. I communicated this to my parents. 

When I informed them of my wish they became 
violent. I not only informed them of my desire, but 
that it was then settled with me and I intended to 
leave for some place, I knew not where. 

The manner of going and the means with which to 
go, if the opportunity offered, were questions which 
perplexed me. It was true that my father could aid 
me if he chose, but would not, and he was so bitter 
toward me by reason of my decision that it was neces- 
sary for me to reside elsewhere than at home. 

Fortunately, or unfortunately for me, as the case 
may be, when I was attending the medical college, I 
together with other students, was permitted to visit 
the free hospital where the poor were provided with 
medical treatment given by advanced students. 

It was there that I treated a sick seaman. The 
treatment proved successful and he soon mended. 
He formed something of an attachment for me, and 
felt grateful for the treatment I had given him, for 
which he was unable to compensate me otherwise. 
We often talked together, and he told me of some of 
his startling adventures, and thus added fuel to the 
lire already kindled within me. Through my conver- 
sation with him I learned that he would again sail 
when he fully recovered, which he thought would be 
in a short time. I immediately informed him that I 
desired also to go. The opportunity soon offered it- 


10 ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO. 


self, and I hurriedly prepared to leave my native home. 
Disguising myself in some of the seaman’s clothes, 
which I borrowed from him for the occasion, I en- 
gaged to go with the crew at the same time he did. 

At that time I did not know the purpose of the 
voyage or the objective point. I simply knew that we 
were to sail in a westerly direction. It was too late, 
and there was no time to ask questions about the voy- 
age. I noticed, however, that supplies and seamen 
composed the principal part of the burden with which 
the ships were laden, and 1 naturally concluded that 
the trip was to be a long one by reason of the great 
supply of eatables. We barely had time to arrange 
ourselves before the fleet left shore. The fleet con- 
sisted of three divisions, or barges, each containing 
about one hundred and fifty seamen. Indeed, the 
journey, as I had previously concluded would be, was 
a long one, AV e sailed day after day and month after 
month, until I lost all trace of the time. It seemed 
that the journey would never come to an end. Yet 
there were a few scenes and incidents that tended to 
break the monotony. To add to the discouragements, 
our large supply of rations that we had on starting 
was now almost gone. It became necessary that all 
be provided with small allowances in hope that land 
would be reached before we perished. 

Dissatisfaction soon began to show itself among the 
men. It was plain that a mutiny would take place 
soon if relief did not come. It was afterward learned 
that a plot had been laid to relieve the conveyances of 
all their passengers, except one in every three, at the 
setting of the sun next day. The conspirators had 
succeeded in keeping the matter a secret ; while the 


ADVENTURES OF FEUDINAND T0MA8S0. H 

officers little surmised the proposed fate awaiting 
them. Fortunately for all, land was sighted before 
the fatal time arrived. 

We anchored that evening at a large island, and thus 
were two-thirds of the crew saved from a possible 
watery grave, and the long, tedious journey ended. 
Upon landing we were greatly surprised to find that the 
inhabitants, like ourselves, were mostly Spaniards, and 
we in a short time were contented, for the present, 
with our accommodations and grateful to the Great 
Euler that we had reached land safely. 

On the morning of the next day I undertook an im- 
perfect inspection of the small city where we had 
landed and remained over night. The buildings for 
the most part were new, and had it not been for this 
fact I could have easily imagined myself simply trans- 
ported from my old home to a different part of Spain. 
The first building of importance to me that I noticed 
was a place of worship, for I believe that if any one 
thing more than another tends to make one contented 
with his surroundings it is to have the privilege 
of worshiping in the manner to which he has been 
accustomed. 

Here I soon discovered that the cross was erected. 
Without delay I entered the commodious structure, and 
found before me a large congregation worshiping. 
This did not appear to me to be so far removed from 
civilization as I had anticipated. It appeared to 
me that there were no explorations to be made at that 
place. 

I remained there and enjoyed the hospitality of the 
residents for some time, when one day, at the place of 
worship, I was presented to a person of pleasing ap- 


12 ADYENTITRES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO. 

pearance. Ilis reason for his presence there was about 
the same as mine. After this we Ave're together much 
of the time, from the lack of anything else to command 
our attention. I liked his company very much, and 
one day wdiile conversing wdth 'him he informed me 
that seamen who had lately returned from the west 
reported that they had seen unexplored land. This 
tended more than ever to arouse my curiosity and aw^ake 
the desire to continue my exploration. 

I at once proposed that we attempt to reach this 
unexplored region if possible — thinking, perhaps, I 
might there discover something. My new-found friend 
consented, after a consideration of the proposed ex- 
pedition, and we at once set about preparing a small 
fleet. 

We succeeded after some time and persuasion in in- 
teresting several of the transitory inhabitants in the 
matter, until our number reached one hundred. The 
work of preparing the fleets with such tools as we 
had was slow,, but finally the conveyances were com- 
pleted. To supply ourselves with food it was 
arranged that each one should, before starting, provide 
himself with a certain amount of rations. We expe- 
rienced some trouble in securing the necessary food, on 
account of a scarcity on the island, for the country 
was new and the land uncultivated. Our intentions 
were soon noised about by jealous residents. Friends 
interested themselves about the welfare of their friends 
and told them that we were hazarding our own lives 
in attempting such a voyage as we proposed. This 
tended to weaken the faith of a few, who at the last 
moment refused to go. ISTotwithstanding this occur- 
rence, most of us placed ourselves in the conveyances 


ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO. 13 

and were pushed off the beach by some of the resi- 
dents, who had congregated to give us a final farewell. 

We selected this time to leave for the reason that 
the wind was blowing from the east. When the 
wind was not favorable to our course, we propelled 
our crafts by means of paddles, taking turns. We 
progressed slowly, and once out of sight of land the 
work became very monotonous. When I fully com- 
prehended the situation, which was after we had sailed 
several days, I believed that if we did not reach land 
soon or possibly drown by reason of a storm, that the 
faithless ones of our party would try to influence the 
crew to some bad end. The foundation for my fear was 
based on what I had previously learned by experience 
of men under such circumstances, and also from the 
fact that we were obliged to use urgent means to pre- 
vent their friends from stopping them in the first 
instance, when we were about to sail. 

At one time we thought we saw an island, but as we 
approached it proved to be a sort of mossy growth on 
the water. We experienced great difficulty in making a 
way through this, but after we had advanced for some 
hours it became thinner and thinner, and finally we 
were through. The difficulty was surmounted. I 
was surprised to find that the water underneath was 
warm. This accounted for the growth. I am, how- 
ever, perplexed to know what warms the water, as I 
never learned of this before. I did not have the time 
then to give the matter the attention I desired, but 
hope in the future to be able to satisfy my curiosity in 
this connection. 

As I had feared would be the case, I experienced 
great difficulty in controlling the men, but this did not 


14 ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO. 


prove to be my greatest difficulty. The afternoon of 
which I write was partigularly dreary. The men 
were tired, the sea smooth, and as tlie sun beat down 
upon our unprotected bodies it seemed as if the rays 
of a hundred suns were all concentrated upon us. 
Without previous warning of a storm, a cloud was 
noticed to the westward. 

Shortly all signs of a great storm were visible. We 
made all preparations that were possible in the short 
time that we had, and waited to learn what our fate 
would be. The wind blew with all its mad fury ; the 
rain fell in torrents ; it was no longer possible to 
guide the small craft I was in, and we abandoned the 
paddles and protected ourselves as best we could from 
the storm with blankets. Finally darkness came on. 
Where we were drifting we did not know. 

Imagine our thoughts when we fully realized our 
condition and that at any moment we were liable to 
be thrown out into the mad ocean. It was not long 
before the climax was reached. A sudden splash of a 
great wave partially filled, and at the same time upset 
our barque. By an effort almost superhuman, I 
retained my belongings and succeeded in placing my- 
self on the top of the now capsized conveyance. I 
could see, and occasionally hear round me, my friends 
in distress, yet I was Unable to help them. As is 
usually the case under such circumstances, the selfish 
thought of preserving my own life was uppermost in 
my mind. 

The storm still raged ; I clung to the wreck for 
hours — it seemed days. I could hear my boat strik- 
ing the stones occasionally, and thus was I led to believe 
I was close to the shore, This became more frequent, 


ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO. 


15 


when to my delight streaks of light in the east told 
me that the night was about over. The morning 
finally came and greatly to my delight and surprise I saw 
the land very near me. The waves had washed the 
barque I was on landward and it required but a slight 
effort to now place my belongings on the firm earth. 
As I did so, I solemnly promised myself that I would 
never attempt another voyage such as this, and was 
grateful to God above for the preservation of my life. 
But what of my companions ? Ask of the waves that 
claimed them and they mockingly answer back with a 
moan. 

The first thing I did after learning of my good for- 
tune was to drag my craft ashore. In constructing it 
we had turned the sides inward. The inward part of 
the craft was provided with fastenings to which we 
had attached the blankets for protection during the 
storm. This proved of great profit to me, for when the 
conveyance capsized, the blankets and the curved 
inner sides served to hold the belongings of all that 
had occupied this craft. 

I did not know or even presume this, until I made 
the attempt to remove the barque from the water. I 
then found it heavy, and it was necessary first to right 
it and then remove the articles one at a time. I found 
my defensive weapon where I had securely fastened it 
to the side of the boat. I had taken the precaution on 
starting to pack my ammunition in a thick cloth, which 
protected it very well. What I brought my surgical 
instruments with me for, I do not know. I found them 
and my medicines as safely where I had placed them 
as at the time of starting. 

I now built a fire and set about drying the blankets 


16 ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO, 

as well as the clothes I wore. At the same time I pre- 
pared something to eat, for after the excitement of the 
uncertainty of life had passed away, and stern reality 
declared itself, I was very hungry. 

I will write to you from time to time the events of 
my discoveries, and add to this letter, providing I do 
not succeed in sending it to you before then. 

Truly your old schoolmate, 

Ferdinand Tomasso. 
To Charles Lewis, London, England. 


ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND T0MA8S0. 17 


SECOND LETTER. 

Dear Sir : I still retain my former letter to you. 
If you ever ^do receive it, I fear you will be greatly in- 
flicted. The only redeeming feature about the whole 
matter will be that you will have the satisfaction of 
knowing that what you read is true. 

Since my last letter, my experiences have been varied 
and most thrilling. They have been even more varied 
and exciting than I in my imaginary mood had thought 
possible. After you have read these letters, take from 
the dusty shelf your old history and compare the mat- 
ters and things herein recorded with those noted there. 
Strange as it may seem to you, I am now residing in a 
city and enjoj’^ing all the luxuries that a tropical climate 
and this peculiar people can afford. I will first write 
to you concerning the manner in which I was brought 
to this place. 

In my last letter I wrote you of my voyage and for- 
tunate landing. The first thing I did there, after dry- 
ing my clothing and satisfying my appetite, was to 
erect a sunshade. This I did by placing four poles in 
an upright position and stretching a blanket over them. 
I closed the sides with blankets also, for you will re- 
member the blanket supply of the whole crew that had 
perished was now in my possession, and it was great. 
It was very lonesome for me here during the shorttirae 


18 ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO, 


that I remained, and I almost wished that I too had 
perished. 

I spent most of the daytime in the shade, for the 
sun was so hot that it was dangerous to do otherwise. 
I decided that I would during the early morning inves- 
tigate and learn something of my surroundings. I re- 
tired at an early hour, so as to be up and ready early 
the next morning. I must confess I felt rather insecure 
at nighttime and would then have been willing to give 
up my design for a bed at home. But such could not 
be and I dismissed the thought from my mind without 
further worry. I was tired and sleepy from the loss of 
rest the night before, and it was but a short time until 
I was fast asleep. 

Next morning according to my plan I awoke early, 
and, without waiting to get anything to eat, took my 
weapon of defense and started in quest of fresh meat 
with which to supply my table. As you know, I am 
not much of a hunter, but I hunted as if I was used to 
it. The beach was sandy and the walking hard. In 
the distance I saw the wood which skirted along the 
edge of the sand. It was now breaking day. 

I advanced to and entered the forest and kept a 
sharp lookout for game. The undergrowth is thick, 
and in many places offers a complete barrier to the 
traveler. By selecting places where the ground is 
highest and the trees large, I finally succeeded in pene- 
trating the wood for quite a distance. The songs of 
the birds in the earlv mornino: were almost deafenino*. 
Once or twice I saw through the openings large animals 
like elephants. Knowing the danger of exciting such 
monsters alone I made no effort to secure one, in fact 
I rather avoided them. I had no difficulty, however, 


A D VENTURES 0 F FERDINA ND TOMASSO. 19 


in securing some smaller game. I saw several flocks 
of wild turkeys. They seemed to be very numerous. 
They are large and I succeeded in securing two of 
them after running the first one down, which I had 
simply wounded in my first attempt to secure it. 

The meat keeps fresh here but a short time on ac- 
count of the heat. I soon devised the plan of dressing 
the game and hanging it in the sun, which was so hot 
that it seemed to dry it up and thus cure it so that it 
would last for almost an indefinite time. 

But I now came to a more interesting part of my 
experience there. While dozing in my sunshade one 
afternoon I heard a strange chatter without. It was 
such a queer combination of sounds that they really 
frightened me. Arising from my couch I pulled the 
blanket that protected me to one side, and there be- 
held a group of warriors, who afterward proved to be 
natives. I was somewhat surprised to see them, but 
before that time had thought possibly some race of 
people inhabited the land. 

They at once came toward me, making all manner 
of signs, which I thought were calculated to show that 
they meant me no harm. They touched the ground 
with their hands and then raised them to their heads. 
They chattered to one another and then would say 
something to me, which, of course, I did not under- 
stand. It was rather an awkward position for me. 
What they proposed to do was the great question that 
agitated my mind. They all carried long spears and 
some of them were provided with shields. 

The dress of three of them consisted of cloth fastened 
at the waist extending down almost to their feet, 
while the garments of the fourth were fastened about 


20 ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO, 


bis neck and extended almost as low as that of his 
companions. The cloth I noticed to be carefully and 
closely woven, but I was more surprised to see that 
there were paintings and colorings on their dress, 
which I thought was an attempt at decorating. The 
figures, for the greater part, represented birds and 
lakes, but the work was executed in a slovenly in- 
artistic manner. 

While most of them were inspecting my belongings, 
one of the natives stepped backward to a smooth 
place in the sand and commenced to unroll a piece of 
cloth which he had carefully handled. Upon inspec- 
tion, I found that this cloth was of a finer quality than 
that of which their apparel was made. One side was 
smooth and looked as if it had been rubbed and then 
pressed by a heavy weight. Having rapidly arranged 
the cloth in the smooth sand I noticed that he ap- 
peared to be rubbing it dexterously. 

While he was thus engaged I was standing in front 
of the sunshade, while the other three natives were 
making an examination of my clothing. Finally my 
attention was more particularly called to the native 
with the cloth by a wild yell. I looked. He held 
the cloth up by one end while the other reached down 
almost to the ground. On the cloth could plainly be 
recognized a picture of the sunshade with its blanket 
sides and myself standing in front. The outline of the 
picture of myself was a fair representation, but there 
were no distinguishing features, and by looking at the 
head alone it would not be recognized. After holding 
it up for a short time for us to see, he carefully rolled 
it up in a rough covering so as to form a neat package. 

1 noticed that they had with them what appeared to 


ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO. 


be two poles about the length of a man, and that they 
were covered with a coarse cloth. One of the natives 
loosened the fastenings and unrolled them. They 
proved to be litters or a sort of land conveyance. 
Each consisted of two poles, between which and con- 
necting the same were strips of strong coarse cloth about 
twice the width of a man. They were so constructed 
that the natives bore them by taking hold of the ends 
of the poles for handles, one in either hand, and walk- 
ing one behind the other. They were evidently pre- 
paring to leave. 

By signs they gave me to understand that I was to 
go with them. I neither assented nor dissented. 
They simply commenced to tear down my sunshade 
and double up the blankets. All my belongings were 
placed in one litter except my weapon, which I pre- 
ferred to carry with me for reasons unknown to the 
bearers, but fully known to myself. They examined 
my weapon thoroughly, shook their bodies, which I 
thought indicated dissatisfaction, and then returned it 
to me. 

Thinking this a good time to impress them with my 
superiority and ability through the power of my 
weapon, I looked for a good mark, which 1 soon espied. 
I noticed a water fowl flying toward us. Instantly I 
seized the weapon, which fortunately was loaded, 
and taking hurried aim, fired. It was a lucky shot, 
for the ball, as I afterward noticed, happened to hit 
the bird in the head. It fell to the ground dead, and 
while the natives gazed in amazement I went to the 
place where it fell, picked it up and returned with 
the game. They took it and turned it over, making a 
thorough examination, and then examined my weapon, 


AUVBNTITRES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO. 

all the while chattering among themselves. No doubt 
they thought it a strange occurrence. 

They now motioned me to the litter. I seated my- 
self, and found the seat very comfortable. Next, a 
sort of leather strap was fastened over my knees from 
one side of the litter to the other, thus holding me 
securely. If they had only known my desire it would 
not have been necessary to thus fasten me, for 1 was 
willing to go with them. Even their companj^ though 
they could not converse with me, was preferable to life 
in the sunshade. I felt I knew the danger, yet I was 
perfectly willing to risk my life with these people. 
The litter that I was in was carried in advance of the 
other. We went but a little way until a smooth trail 
was reached. By this time it was almost night. I 
supposed that we would stop during the nighttime, 
but such was not the case. 

The bearers proceeded in a steady gait along the 
smooth path until after dark. We finally approached 
a house of some kind. It was too dark to secure a 
complete description of it, but I could see natives as 
we approached. When we came up to them, the 
bearers held a hurried conversation. The present 
bearers exchanged places with four others, and we at 
once proceeded on the journey. None of the natives 
would have anything to do with my weapon, and 
the old bearers conversed with the new, when the 
change was being made, about it as if to warn them of 
danger. 

Did you ever go on a journey when you did not 
know where or when it would end ? If not,, you 
cannot imagine the feelings I had. I began to think 
that it meant something uncertain, and I thought 


ALVENTUBES OF FERDINAND T0MA8S0. 23 

life in the sunshade might after all be preferable to 
this. 

Yet this was the realization of my wild dream, and 
I supposed, incident to exploring. At the first relay 
I had noticed several houses, and we now seemed to 
be passing through a village, but it was so dark that I 
could not tell much about the place. Several times 
natives came, and holding blazing sticks up before the 
litter where I was, stared curiously at me. The new 
bearers seemed to me, by reason of their dress and 
manner, to be more like civilized people than those 
who had brought me thus far. They, too, made an 
effort to converse with me, but of course with the same 
result that their kinsmen had experienced. 

The uniform gait was maintained throughout the 
night. Next morning, just before sunrise, the bearers 
again changed. I made signs that I was hungry by 
opening my mouth and pointing my finger toward it, 
and after a little while made them to understand what 
I wanted. They supplied me with some meat which 
they called totolin, together with a kind of bread. To 
quench my thirst, they gave me pulque, which is by the 
natives considered a stimulating drink. It is not very 
pleasant to the taste at first, but one soon acquires the 
taste for it, and when once acquired I learn it is hard 
to overcome. 

A change in the atmosphere was now noticeable. We 
were going up the mountain side. The way was 
rough. Trees were not plentiful. We went on and 
on, day and night, only stopping long enough to get 
refreshments and change bearers. All the time during 
the third day, our course was such as to give a view of 
a high immutain. It projected far above theYest. The 


^4 ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND TOMaSSO. 


bearers called my attention to it, by touching me and 
pointing in that direction. At night the sky above the 
mountain was lighted up, and occasionally I noticed 
flashes as that of lightning. 

During the day an incident occurred by which I 
feared we all would lose our lives. It became neces- 
sary in our course to cross a small river. The recent 
rains had washed the usual means of crossing so as to 
make it unsafe. It did not take these bearers long to 
devise a means to reach the other side. A large log 
was secured and rolled into the water. The two 
bearers bearing me walked out on the log to the 
further end, which was pointed up stream, and the 
other two stationed themselves on the end next the 
shore. 

The current was swift, and the roar of the water 
great. The log was caught instantly by the current 
and hurried down, and at the same time across the 
stream. It was kept diagonal with the current bj^ the 
two carriers on the extreme ends. The log rolled and 
rolled under their feet, and I do not know how they 
managed to keep their footing, but they did, and the 
current soon forced us to the other side, where we landed 
safely. The efforts of the carriers to keep on their 
feet jolted me about considerably while we were cross- 
ing. I held my breath, for I feared every moment 
would be my last. 

Finally, after four long days, we reached the end of 
our journey. I was tired, and rejoiced once more to 
be free from the litter. The first night of the journey 
I slept but little, partially on account of fear lest the 
bearers might take my life, and partly on account of 
the way in which I was jostled about. However, 
after the first night I secured a little rest. 


ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND ToMASSO. ^5 

The bearers landed me here. This city is the 
capital ‘of a fertile and extensive country, and is 
certainly in many respects a wonderful one. It is 
isolated from the rest of the world. Located as it is 
here on a flat piece of country, not far from the moun- 
tains, the inhabitants not alone depend on the sur- 
rounding country for supplies, but also enjoy the 
luxuries of the far eastern tropic. The name of the 
city is Tenochtitlan. It has now been some time since 
I was brought here, and truly I enjoy living at this 
place. 

When I was first brought here I was taken direct to 
the emperor, Moctheuzoma, who received me kindly, 
ordered food prepared for me, and gave me many 
presents. I was given a home with the emperor and 
admitted as one of his household. At the same time 
the name of “White God number two” was bestowed 
upon me. This was indicated by placing two dots 
after my name, thus: White God. . Upon the inquiry 
as to why I was thus named, I was informed that 
there was another “ White God” in captivity and that 
he was designated as number one. This pleased me 
much, for I thought it might be that when I met him 
he could converse with me. I at once expressed a 
desire to see “ White God” number one. It was then 
made known to me that he was in a province some dis- 
ance from Tenochtitlan, and that also the priests 
must first be consulted to see if such a communication 
was favored by the gods. 

Some days elapsed before I was permitted to see 
this God number one. When he came he was accom- 
panied by a squad of warriors. Imagine my delight 
when I found it was possible for me to converse with 


26 ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO. 


this person. It was a little difficult on his part at 
first, for he had lived among these peo})le for three 
years and had learned their language thorough!}', to 
the detriment of his own. His experience in becoming 
a captive, as he narrated it, was much the same as 
mine. By his aid I soon became acquainted with the 
language sufficiently to enable me to converse with the 
natives reasonably well. 

By persuasion Mcctheuzoma and the priests were 
caused to give their consent to let White God number 
one remain with me for a time. He was good com- 
pany, besides giving me much valuable information 
about the country and the inhabitants. He told me of 
a library of public records, in which he had spent much 
time in his efforts to gain knowledge of these people. 
There is such a library, and by the help of my new 
friend I was able to use and understand it to a limited 
extent. I expect to spend much time there in the 
future in order to learn more about the history of the 
countr}^ and its inhabitants. 

My advent into the city caused some little excite- 
ment among the younger natives at first, but after a 
short time thev became more familiar. The vounor 
men brought presents of fine linen, and one gave me a 
Slone called a Chalchuite, which is a precious one to 
them. The young women also brought presents of 
flowers. Such beautiful, fragrant flowers I had never 
seen before. I expressed my delight as best I could, 
but was not in a position to return presents, as is the 
custom here. 

One day while conversing with White God number 
one, a beautiful young female approached hurriedly, 
and at once said something to my companion which I 


ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO 


27 


did not fully understand. He answered back and then 
explained to me who she was. She was a maiden 
whose home was at the place where m^^ companion 
had been detained as a captive. She had met him 
there often and fell desperately in love with him. He 
did not inform her that he was going to leave when he 
came to meet me, for he then intended to return soon. 
She had learned of his coming and had followed him 
alone the whole distance, which is a day’s travel. Hot 
one of our day’s travel, for those people proceed most 
of the time on a run. Such a warm greeting as this 
was I had never witnessed before. The maiden ap- 
proached my companion, threw both arms about his 
neck in a death-like grip, and then sealed her lips to 
his. She exhibited great emotion, for her heart beat 
hard and fast. As a fluttering, frightened, imprisoned 
bird longs to be set free, so her heart beat with im- 
patience against its prison walls. What a war was 
going on there within that little frame, between the 
true inward feeling and outward appearance ! Her 
bosom rose and fell in quick succession. Hers was not 
a love that sought to please her admirer by outward 
appearance and then gain his attention and admira- 
tion, but rather that which first found shelter in her 
own bosom, and then excited and joined that of her 
friend, for such love is characteristic of her race. It 
was evident that the greeting was one mostly indulged 
in on her part. Perhaps my companion was bashful 
and did not wish to recognize her in my presence. 
She was fully as tall as he, for he his a little man. 

During this time I was a spectator and gazed in won- 
derment. I thought it possible that it was the means 
that these people had taken to dispose of him, but I 


28 ADVENTUllES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO. 


noticed that his hands hung by his sides, and he did 
not make an effort to defend himself. My fears were 
soon set at rest by seeing him actually tear himself 
from her grasp. The maiden sat down on the ground 
as if dejected, and he returned to me. He explained 
that it was the custom among these people to act in 
this manner toward the party of whom they became 
enamoured, and that he was compelled to submit to 
like treatment at every meeting with this person. 
Truly he had my sympathy. 

In my travels about the city of Tenochtitlan (always 
accompanied by warriors), and by the records at the 
public hall, I have learned something of the history of 
the city and the country ; at least what is believed to 
be their true history. Part of it appears to me to be 
mythical, and I think it probable, since their religion, 
which I believe to be founded on imaginary facts and 
dreams, is closely connected with the history of this 
country. In a conversation with the emperor I inti- 
mated that some of the matters recorded as true might 
be otherwise. This I did without considering the 
probable effect. He was for the moment filled with 
wrath, and asked me if I did not know that among his 
people, to write a false history or in anywise misrepre- 
sent it, was punishable by death. Of course I had 
never heard of that before, but now concluded to keep 
these letters — although he could not read them — from 
his sight lest they might create suspicion. 

The vastness of the city may in a measure be judged 
when it is known that its inhabitants number from two 
to five hundred thousand. The capital of a great 
country which was never heard of by the world in 
general. The city is located on an island and has con- 


ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO. 29 


nections with the main land by three long broad ways 
which are supported above the water by stone pillars. 
The ways already show age but are under constant re- 
pairs by the government. These ways furnish ample 
means for the natives to bring to the city from outlying 
provinces provisions and wares, except when they are 
broken, and then their little water houses are used on 
the lakes. 

Little islands on which flowers grow in great pro- 
fusion are constructed on the land and set to float on 
the lake. The wind blows them about from place to 
place, filling the air with pleasant perfume. The even- 
ing wind wafts the scent from the floating islands and 
when the native retires to take his rest it is an easy 
matter for him to imagine himself amid a bed of 
flowers. These islands are of such vast numbers, and 
some of them are so large and have so much earth at- 
tached, that I sometimes wonder if they will not some 
time in the future fill up the basin of the lake and thus 
do away with this body of water, and cause it to be- 
come a low, wet, marshy land instead. 

The main streets extend from the ways to the center 
of the city, where a great open space called the market- 
place is located for exchange of commodities. The 
principal buildings of the city are surrounding this open 
space. The roads are not always unobstructed, for 
there are many water passages for the use of the little 
water houses extending through the city from one side 
to the other. 

The roads are clean and retained in that condition 
by sweeping and even scrubbing. It is not difficult to 
keep them clean, since the traffic is carried on by 
bearers. The principal streets are furnished with 


30 ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO. 

coverings to protect the citizens from the sun, which 
coverings are usually removed in the late afternoon to 
admit the last rays of the light of the departing sun. 

The buildings are for the greater part constructed 
more substantially than what one would expect to 
find here. A number of them are built of brick and 
stone, and some are protected on the outside by a kind 
of clay that hardens by exposure to the sun. No little 
skill is exhibited in the design and arrangement of 
most of them, and this is particularly so of the large 
public buildings. Many have two and even three 
stories. Where this is the case one side of the buildirm 

O 

is left for the constructio.u of steps, which are always 
placed on the outside. 

The Court of Justice building is large, commodious 
and particularly attractive. The court is in session 
most of the time and seems to be a part of the religious 
arrangement. High walls with openings have been 
built running irregular Ij^ through the city. 

The larger and more expensive buildings are those 
dev^oted to worship. They tower above the rest of 
the city, both in magnitude, appearance and finish. 
Some of them are four, five and even six stories high. 
The means of ascent is also on the outside and a num- 
ber of them are so constructed that in ascending to the 
top it is necessary to go completelj^ around the 
structure several times. 

These temples are the abode of the idol gods of the 
natives and it often is the case that there are two or 
more gods in one temple. There are a great many 
temples scattered throughout the different portions of 
the city. They are not, however, all connected with 
the same god, for you must understand that it takes 


ADVENTUllKS OF FKUDINAND TOMASSO. 31 


several gods to manage the affairs of Anahuac and its 
inhabitants. 

Their religion is all-important to them. It takes the 
greater portion of their time to observe the feasts and 
celebrate notable events, and as time advances the 
number of events to be observed increases. There 
are religious officers, which I will term priests, 
without number. Each temple and place of 
worship is provided with them in great numbers. 
They are of great importance when any ques- 
tion of a public nature is to be decided, and even 
the emperor, Moctheuzoma, will not attempt any 
great undertaking until he has through the priests con- 
sulted with the gods. There is also another officer 
connected with the church who is always consulted at 
such times, and that is the Nezahualpilli — a sort of 
astrologer. 


SECOND LETTER 

PART SECOND. 

The faith of the people in general is strong in 
the belief that the astrologers, who are indi- 
rectly connected with their religion, have the power to 
foretell the destiny of those that may apply to them. 
For this purpose the astrologer is provided with differ- 
ent sets of cubic blocks of gold. Each set consists of 
three cubes. The six sides of each are differently en- 
graved and painted to represent the different stages of 
existence, in all grades from the most humble to the 


32 ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO. 


exalted position of emperor. All sets are from appear- 
ance the same in every particular. By reason of this 
fact but few know that there are more sets than one. 
In the construction one-half of each cube is hollowed 
out and a plate of gold fitted over it so perfectly that 
it appears solid. The hollow places vary from side to 
side in each of the different sets. 

When the astrologer is called upon to decide the 
destiny of a subject he first asks him many questions 
in order that he may learn all he can of his connec- 
tions and past history. After this is finished he retires 
to his secret room, where the cubic blocks are closely 
guarded, and by the information gained from the sub- 
ject himself he is enabled to select a set of cubic blocks 
which will reveal a fortune suited to the past history 
of the subject. After the selection is made the set is 
brought forth from the secret room and given to the 
subject, who is requested to place them in a golden cup 
provided for the purpose, shake thoroughly, turn 
around three times, mutter a sort of pra3^er, and 
then throw on a marble slab. 

After this is done the astrologer proceeds to unfold 
the mysteries according to the figures on the top sides 
of the cubes. The applicants are usually satisfied 
with the predictions of the astrologer, and are of 
course ignorant of the construction of the cubes, 
whereby it is impossible for them to fall in or assume 
any other position than that which they do. 

With all the marks of civilization that the natives 
possess, one is surprised to find that they actually offer 
human sacrifice to appease the wrath of their grim 
gods, which are idols. To supply the demand for 
bodies to be offered as sacrifice, all prisoners taken in 


ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO, 


33 


battle are uot killed then, but a certain number of 
them are reserved for this purpose. The bodies sac- 
rificed yearly probably number tens of thousands. 
Horrible in the extreme when you think of it. In fact, 
the principal part of the exercises of most of the reli- 
gious feasts observed is the offering of these sacrifices. 
The temples and places of worship are specially 
arranged for this. 

In the top of the temple usually is placed the mad 
god into whose presence the victim is ushered. Here 
is also placed the stone of sacrifice. The edges are cut 
away, leaving the middle portions raised. Upon this 
stone the victim is placed on his back, the raised part 
coming between the shoulder blades, and thus raising 
the previously bared breast to enable the priest, at- 
tired in a long robe, to more easily accomplish his 
design of actually tearing the heart of the victim 
from his body while he stiU lives. 

The practice of offering human sacrifice, and the 
supply of bodies to observe the same, is not confined to 
the male inhabitants. The welfare of the females is 
guarded by the priestesses who administer to the wants 
of the women, and when it is thought necessary to 
make a female offering the priestesses select from the 
female inhabitants subjects for that purpose. 

I will never forget the first human sacrifice that I un- 
willingly witnessed. It made such an hnpression on me 
that even a repetition fails to erase it from my mind. 

Once every year a feast is given in honor of the god 
Tezcatlipoca. The victim is usually selected a year 
before the time for the sacrifice. The selection is 
made after an examination and investigation of the 
many applicants fis to th^ir peculiar fitness to bq thus 


34 ADVENTURKS OF FERDINAND TOMASSO, 

recoo^nized and honored. He that is chosen must be 
strong, large, and without blemish. When he is 
selected he is at once placed under the care of the 
priests, who teach him ho;v to act and what is expected 
oi him. He is provided with a robe of peculiar color 
that his superior position among the natives may be 
known. All the natives that meet him on his various 
journeys about the city recognize him at once, and pay 
their respects by bowing in humble submission as he 
passes by. 

It is considered a great honor to be thus selected for 
this purpose. The subject is furnished with all the 
luxuries that the land can afford, and his companions 
are the young males and females who delight in enter- 
taining so great a personage. Thus he lives a life of 
gayety until the feast day arrives, when he bids fare- 
well to pleasure, willingly dons a robe prepared for the 
occasion, and mounts to the top of the temple, where 
the image of the the god is placed. This done, he volun- 
tarily takes his place on the stone of sacrifice, and 
without resistance gives himself to the priest who 
finishes the bloody ceremony. After seeing this I re- 
membered that I had been royally entertained since 
coming here, and wondered if it was not their intention 
to offer me in this manner, but it has so far proved 
otherwise. 

Hot alone in this city is human sacrifice offered. 
Tenochtitlan is the capital of a large country consisting 
of many provinces. I am informed each province is 
supplied with gods and places of human sacrifice the 
same as here. It seems to be the impression among 
the natives that the wrath of one of their certain gods 
can only be appeased and satisfied by the offering of 


ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO. 


85 


children, and when he becomes displeased for any 
reason, the helpless ones, mostly the children of the 
poorer class, are offered. I have not been present as 
yet, nor is it my desire to go to any feasts of this 
character. 

The historical records and all that pertain to the 
city are recorded in the peculiar manner of figures and 
])ictures, or picture writing on large leaves that 
require careful handling, for they are very dry, lest 
you break them. They are carefully arranged in 
order so that if any one understands the method of 
filing them away he can easily find the matter per- 
taining to a certain subject, if contained in the records. 
The more modern records are placed on cloth and 
arranged much in the same manner. 

While looking through the space thus dedicated and 
examining the records I saw the picture that the car- 
rier had executed when he and his companion first 
discovered me at my sunshade. I examined it care- 
fully, and truly it was good, much better than I had 
at first supposed. I find that there are several prov- 
inces lying in different directions from the city, all 
governed by Moctheuzoma through the various govern- 
ors appointed by him. 

The means of communication between the outlying 
])rovinces and this city I find to be almost perfect and 
quite satisfactory^ and is by swift runners from station 
to station, where new ones are stationed and supplied. 
In this way in a short time intelligence from the 
furthest province and remote corners of the land 
reaches the capital in one day. It is the recognized 
duty of all the subjects, and especially the runners, to 
collect all new facts of importance and report them to 
the emperor without delay. 


36 ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO, 

Strange as it may seem to you, this is not a new 
city. Its history dates back centuries. The intelli- 
gence gained in the record office and by conversations 
with Moctheuzoma and the intelligent priests is con- 
firmed by the outward appearance of the houses, 
streets, and temples, to a certain extent. 

I learned through the same channel that this was 
not the first race to occupy this beautiful city, but 
that they have only had possession since it was 
vacated and abandoned by their predecessors. This 
former race lived here and controlled the surrounding 
country for about 600 years. They left about 200 
years ago, at which time the present people entered 
and took possession. Where the inhabitants came 
from is not definitely known, probably from a north- 
erly country. Where they went or why, are also 
mysteries. This certainly offers as many inducements 
for people to reside in as any other country, and why 
they should leave as is chronicled without being com- 
pelled, is not known. 

Some of the mounds made by them still remain, and 
silently remind the present occupiers of their past 
power and greatness. If any difference exists between 
the present and the past race in point of civilization 
the former occupants were probably more intelligent 
and possessed a better knowledge of the arts. Some 
tools and broken parts of machinery still remain from 
which to form the above conclusion. Their religion 
also was superior to that recognized here at present, 
in this, that it was not the practice to offer human 
sacrifice. By thus contrasting the present race with 
the former, I do not wish to degrade the present, but 
j’Clther praise the former, 


ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND TuMASSO. 37 

The learning and knowledge of the present race 
without any means of my knowing where they 
acquired it is certainly great, for here I find a com- 
plete calendar cut in stone ; in fact, there are two of 
them ; one for the religious feasts, and one for other 
uses, by which the natives are enabled to reckon time 
with even greater exactness and precision than that 
which is gained by the system used in Spain or Eng- 
land at the present time. 

What race could, without some knowledge in regard 
to the shape of the earth and its surroundings, devise 
such a system ? The fact that the observance of the 
many religious feasts demanded regularity might have 
been an inducement for them to devise such a perfect 
plan. From what I have already seen and learned of 
this race, I am convinced that they are deserving of 
much credit and praise. They exhibit skill in their 
arts, Avhich require a great amount of ingenuity in 
order to accomplish their work with their tools, which 
leads me to believe that they are not ignorant but 
learned, for it has been said that “ Genius is a 
stranger which seldom thrives in the lumber-room of 
ignorance.” 

The training of the young of the present race is 
guarded carefully. Priests whose entire time is thus 
devoted are numerous. The males are instructed by 
the priests in the history of their country from the 
record, and they are also taught to work that they 
may all provide themselves with a proper living. All 
males receive the same course in education without 
reo*ard to rank. The females are also instructed, not 
by the priests, but by the priestessess who look after 
the religious wants and duties of females. They are 


38 ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND T0MAS80. 

taught to weave cloth, decorate the places of worship 
and such light work. 

Not until this education is completed and the young 
men and women discharged from school are they per- 
mitted to marry. When this part of their education 
is finished, and they are about to commence life for 
themselves, the father for the son or the mother for 
the daughter, as the case may be, proceeds to give a 
letter of advice and instruction to their child that he 
may have the advantage of their experience in living a 
successful and beneficial life. 

I have read some of these letters and truly the 
advice given is good, and in many respects resembles 
passages of scripture. These letters are treasured and 
often referred to by the owners as a guide to their 
actions. 

I will give you, as correctly as I can from memorj^, 
passages from one of the letters of advice. This one 
was written by a father for his son. “ Son, to thee I 
dedicate and give this, my letter of advice, that you 
may have the experience of your father as a guide to 
your own conduct. Kead carefully and understand- 
ingly this which I prepare for you and follow in ray 
ways, oh, son ! This period in thy life is one of great 
importance to you. From this henceforward depend 
upon thyself and thy judgment in deciding matters 
concerning tliyself. Strive to become learned that thy 
wisdom may be of use to others. When doubtful of 
your rights, yield to others and give your opponents 
the benefit of any mistake on your part, oh, son ! Be 
just in all things. Learn what justness is that 3^ou 
may better be just. Those attainments of worth and 
value you did not inherit, but must by you, if ever 


ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO. 


39 


acquired, be gained through hardships and with diffi- 
culty. The hidden remorse behind the curtain of 
virtue w’ill never be erased after the curtain has once 
been torn aside. In view of wffiich, be virtuous, oh, 
son ! Be ye industrious lest in the time of famine you 
and yours shall w^ant. Be ever mindful of the com- 
mands of your superiors, for discipline is a lever fit to 
be observed by commanders. Be not deceived and 
carried aw^ay with the things of the world, for often 
their outward appearance does not reflect the true 
inward intent. Do not follow too closely after your 
companions, for they may prove false and many will 
not exhibit their true character outwardly. Observe 
strictly the laws of your country; for what province is 
sufficient to be copied after unless all its subjects are 
submissive to its rulers ? Act circumspectly at all 
times, for by your acts, which will be closely observed 
by all that see you, will you be judged. I admonish 
you, oh, son ! not to indulge to excess in those things 
which are alluring and give pleasure for the time, but 
afterward call for repentance, for a broken reed may 
be mended, but it will never be as strong as it was be- 
fore. With these suggestions as a guide may you con- 
quer and become an ornament to your race.’’ 

One hundred years ago Emperor Nezahualcoyot 
established a public school of learning for men of 
mature minds and advanced knowledge. He en- 
couraged the gaining of knowledge by taking an active 
part himself. The idea soon gained favor and the 
school prospered. 

It was probably through this school that the science 
of numbers now used by them was established. I will 
not attempt to give you the full system, for it is a long 


40 ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO. 

and complicated one. It is founded on the number 
twenty, which is represented by fiv.e dots placed in each 
of four lines. These, together with the pictures of ar- 
rows, are combined in a manner to indicate the larger 
numbers. 

The residents claim that far, far to the south in a 
different country, another race, . much the same as 
theirs in many respects, live and inhabit that land ; 
that that race or tribe is wealthy and the possessor of 
much precious metal, and that the inhabitants are in- 
telligent and learned in the arts, but that their country 
and the language used by them are in nowise con- 
nected with this. 

The inhabitants, though perfectly familiar with the 
geography of their domain, seemed to have neglected 
to record any map or drawing by which the location 
of rivers, mountains, and the boundary is shown. At 
least I have failed to find any. 

Their principles of morality are good, and superior 
to that which you might expect to find here. The 
home and its surroundings are guarded by strict rules 
and laws enacted by the people. The penalty for 
adultery is death. Indeed, infidelity in the home circle 
seems to be a product of civilization. 

Dissipation does not exist to any degree of madness. 
About the only form in which it appears is in the use 
of a strong plant called yeti and a drink called pulque. 
Yeti is prepared by drying the leaves, grinding fine, 
and is used for smoking. It is also sometimes used for 
snuff. Pulque is a dangerous, yet stimulating drink, 
and but few that once fully acquire the thirst for it 
ever reform. For this reason the use is limited by 
stringent laws in regard to it. 


ADVENTURES OF FEUDINAND TOMASSO. 41 

With all the schooling the young receive and the in- 
struction as to their conduct, the idea of providing 
themselves with the necessaries of life is made 
prominent. They are early taught that labor is hon- 
orable and for this reason all classes become workers. 
It matters not if the student be wealthy ; he must 
know how to do all manner of work that he may de- 
pend upon himself, if through misfortune it becomes 
necessary. The result is that when the youth reaches 
maturity he is prepared for anything that he may be 
called upon to do. Either make the brick, build the 
house, or weave the cloth. 

The priests and priestesses are given a longer course 
of instruction ; in fact, from the time they are born 
their course of instruction is instituted and their studies 
continue until death. 

Another reason may be offered also to show why 
the race is so industrious and desirous of providing 
themselves with the necessities of life — it is this : 
Legend claims that at one time one of the rulers who 
was, as he said, desirous of improving the welfare of 
his poorer subjects and placing all of them on the 
same level, divided all the land that was in his prov- 
ince into as many parts as he had subjects, and then 
presented each with his portion. This made it neces- 
sary to change other matters in order to gain the end 
that his revolution was purposed to make. After this, 
although the land interests of all were the same, many 
of the richer subjects possessed much metal, such as 
gold and silver, which was used for exchange. All the 
money was by the ruler ordered surrendered to the 
authorities ; and after all the wealth of the province 
of this kind was delivered to the authorities, it was 


42 ADVENTOUES OF FERDINAND T0MA880. 

equally divided, and another metal totally worthless 
and of great weight and quantity was given in equal 
quantities to the subjects. 

There was also an order given by the ruler that all 
iiis subjects should fare alike in the matter of diet. 
Each was requested to cultivate his share of the estate 
that he might earn his living, and in the cultivation of 
the property, which was ample, if properly managed, 
to furnish a good living. Ko one was permitted to 
hire help or help his neighbor, or retain slaves for his 
own benefit. These and many other rules, which the 
richer classes at first very much disliked, finally 
worked out a complete change, and all became recon- 
ciled and satisfied with the arrangement, which gave 
to each the same amount, kind and quantity as his 
neighbor. 

Thus for a short time the revolution gave forth good 
results, but in time, families that had been small in 
number increased, and the allotment of land became 
insufficient for their needs. In other cases occupants 
died and left their shares uncultivated. Others, whose 
land through negligence or otherwise failed to produce 
enough to support them, were compelled to spei d 
their “ money ” in the purchase of food, and shortly 
the money was in the possession of the few. The 
majorit}^ now becoming dissatisfied, denounced their 
ruler and their own associates, who had been more for- 
tunate and managed their affairs with greater skill, and 
threatened war if the rule was permitted to remain in 
force. The change back to the old mode was so 
strongly urged that the ruler finally consented, and 
they were restored to their former liberty. In reality 
the restoration amounted to little, for those who were 


ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND T0MAS80. 43 

rich and were reduced to a level with the rest when 
the cliange took place were now again rich and much 
in the same financial condition as before. 

But the so-termed revolution was not without its 
good effect. Many who before that time had lived in 
idleness now learned to work and in a measure make 
themselves of benefit to their country. It may be that 
the following regulation, now in vogue, was an outcome 
of the above revolution. 

All metals that have an intrinsic value and can be 
used for exchange are mined and owned first by the 
government, and then distributed among the various 
provinces, according to their varied locations, impor- 
tance and size. Since from their varied locations the 
provinces produce certain commodities peculiar to 
themselves, and not produced in other provinces, ex- 
change or trading between the subjects of one province 
with those of another is by the government recog- 
nized as lawful. 

It is also permitted for any subject to exchange the 
metal used in exchange for securing any commodity 
providing that the buyer and seller both reside in the 
same province. 

That all the precious metals furnished by the gov- 
ernment may not by trade or otherwise be gathered 
and hoarded in any one province, so that it would 
have more than its proportion, it is provided that 
when any subject of one province wishes to buy for 
money from any subject of another province any com- 
modity, he shall pa}^ a like amount to the government, 
consequently but few exchanges of this description are 
made, and the tendency is to keep all the provinces as 
near as possible in the same monetary condition, and 


44 ADVENTUliES OF FERDINAND T0MAS80. 

the amount of metallic exchange that goes out of a 
province is about equal to that which comes into it. 
The deplorable condition of a province is noted bv its 
imports in excess of its exports, while the flourishing 
state of affairs is noted by the opposite condition. 

Closely connected with the church affairs, as was 
noticed in a former letter, is the court of justice. 
There are several judges continually engaged in hear- 
ing cases of difficulties brought before them for adjust- 
ment which are not otherwise provided for. It has 
the air of a dignified and solemn place. When the 
parties to any matter in dispute enter the room where 
the judge is, they prostrate themselves in front of him 
to show their humble submission, for well they know 
his power. 

All the provinces belonging to and governed by 
Moctheuzoma are, though under perfect submission to 
him, not always friendly to his rule. They only 
submit to the emperor for the reason that they 
are unable to do otherwise. They acknowledge the 
power of Moctheuzoma, and the same religion and 
religious feasts are observed throughout this country. 

There are, however, but few of these dissatisfied 
and antagonistic provinces. They are near each 
other and located in an easterly direction from the 
city of Tenochtitlan. No violence has been necessary 
in recent years to compel their submission, yet the 
little courtesies incident to friendly provinces are want- 
ing, which tends to show an unsettled state of political 
rights. 

This is a wealthy country, for aside from the lands, 
cattle, and agricultural improvements, the inhabitants 
possess much gold. The head of each family has more or 


ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO. 45 


less in his possession at all times and in some instances 
they have large amounts. The precious metals are 
valued highly and only used in exchange for articles 
or in manufacturing ornaments. The gold alone used 
in decorating the places of worship is enough to make 
an\" nation rich. The idols are often decorated with 
gold nose and earrings. Large plates of gold and silver 
are placed in the temples. Some of these are as large 
as an ordinary cart wheel and a number of them are 
made to represent the sun. 

Nor are the houses of amusement here less attractive 
and strange than many other things of which I have 
written to you. The places prepared for the amuse- 
ment of the natives are owned ami managed by the em- 
peror through his subordinates. They cover much 
ground and are provided with many things and actions 
to amuse the natives. 

The principal one that I have visited has an entrance 
under ground to the center, where is an opening with a 
passageway to the seats above. The rows of seats 
run clear around a cone-shaped support, and are placed 
one above and back of the other, the rows getting 
shorter and shorter until they reach the top, where are 
provided seats for the royal family. 

The cone is supported and held in place in such a 
manner as to allow the whole seating apartment to be 
rotated and give the spectators new views of the 
various performances;, this is done by slaves stationed 
in under the seats. The cone makes but one complete 
revolution during a single performance and the move- 
ment is slow so that all spectators may see, for the 
performance lasts for the space of near one-eighth of a 
whole day’s time. 


46 ADVENTURES OP FERDINAND TOMASSO, 

In a circle surrounding the cone where the specta- 
tors are seated, and some distance from it, is the space 
for the actors and animals taking part in the amuse- 
ment. This space is separated from the spectators by 
a strong wall so that nothing can reach the spectators 
from the actor s circle, for often wild, vicious animals 
are used in giving the performance and are finally 
killed by the actors. The space upon which the actors 
perform is simply the ground, and is changed to suit 
the play. Sometimes it is hilly and provided with grow- 
ing forests, gushing springs and growing meadows, or 
again it may present only the rolling plain. 

When the natives have seated themselves and the 
time has arrived for the performance to commence, a 
signal is sounded. At once the actors take their vari- 
ous places and commence their part of the perform- 
ance. At the same time the cone where the specUi- 
tors are seated is caused to revolve, that all may have 
a chance of viewing the many performances that are 
going on. 

Of the class of performances I can say but little and 
explain none particularly, for they are changed every 
few days. They are usually of such a character as to re- 
quire no language to explain them, and from the 
actions and scenes the spectator draws his own con- 
clusions. Notwithstanding this they are very enter- 
taining. 

One feature that makes it very accommodating to the 
natives is this: by the arranging of mirrors the perform- 
ance is reflected and shown in miniature on a place 
prepared at the .entrance near the street and from the 
small representation there given the natives who are 
hurrying along may judge of their desire to attend the 
entertainment. 


ADVENTURES OF FELIDINAND T0MA8S0 ” 47 

In other buildings the national game of tlachtli 
attracts the attention of all grades of society. Much 
time and money are employed in the erection of the 
large solid structures for the observances of this 
amusement. The structures are built with great care, 
and are so large that they cover much ground, and in 
]>roportion are about twice as long are they are wide. 
The walls are usually of solid rock built up high, and 
in most instances the inner parts of the walls are 
carefull}^ decorated with figures of men at various 
outdoor games. 

For the purpose of playing tlachtli the players have 
a ball which they throw or strike with a fiat bat or net- 
work of thongs. The ball is made of such material as 
to be elastic and the player throws or knocks it against 
the wall, when it rebounds, strikes the opposite wall or 
is again struck by the player. Several players are 
usually engaged at the game at the same time. IS^’ear 
the close of the game it becomes very exciting, and 
friends of the players who are present are provided 
with seats where they can witness the game. Shy 
maidens wearing beautiful fiowers come to see their 
lovers play and enthusiastically cheer when they make 
good plays. All the natives understand fully the rules 
of the game and take great interest in it. 

To a stranger, coming and living here as I have 
done, one of the noticeable things is the healthiness of 
the natives. They are sick but little and live to a 
good old age. Many live to be 100 years old and some 
even older than that. One of the reasons of their 
longevity is the care they take of themselves so as not 
to use more than the necessary energy in performing 
any particular work. But the principal reason is the 


48 ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO. 


care they take of their persons by using certain medi- 
cal baths that are kept and maintained by the govern- 
ment at Tenochtitlan. 'Whether the water used for 
the purpose is natural or artificial I have not been 
able to learn. 

There is but one public bath house here. It is 
divided off in various apartments. The old men and 
women, young men, women and children all have 
their separate apartments. In the evening the place 
is lighted up and throngs go there to get their evening 
baths. There is a reception-room where, after the 
bath, many resort to talk over the events of the day 
and enjoy each other’s company. 

In connection with the bath house there are also 
many small rooms for taking care of the hair and 
doctoring the scalp that none may become bald. The 
barber tools are very simple, but of a good quality. 
The cutting tools are manufactured from copper 
which has been subjected to a peculiar treatment by 
which it is tempered and is capable of receiving a 
very sharp and fine edge. 

Moctheuzoma, the emperor of this rich and vast 
country, is in many respects a wonderful man. He is 
diligent and looks after the affairs of his people care- 
fully. The priests all have consultations with him 
when it is necessary to decide any question of a public 
nature. The judges report to him, and his army of 
bearers located in all the provinces give their accounts 
of the doings and happenings in their several districts 
direct to him. He is strong and powerful, possesses 
great will power, and his word is the law and strictly 
obeyed. 

He often attires himself in the common garb of his 


ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND T0MA8S0. 49 


subjects and thus disguised goes forth among his 
people to learn for himself the true state of affairs. 
The detecting eye can see him before the judge as a 
humble sufferer offering bribes to the ruling magistrate 
to secure his release. Again he appears in the market- 
place, in that portion of the city where exchanges are 
made ; here asking more than he should receive for an 
article. Then before the priests he lays his griefs and 
begs for mercy. If any irregularities are discovered 
the offender is unmercifully punished according to 
law. 

With the aboriginal races we are apt to connect the 
idea of their being barbarous, savage and cruel, but 
quite the opposite with this, for they are peaceable, 
gentle and friendly. Under ordinary circumstances 
they will not fight, but only when they decide that 
the best interest of their country and inhabitants 
demand it, will they issue the order to resist the foe. 

The natives made great effort to impress me with 
the importance of their god Quetzalcoatl. According 
to them this god was and is the god of air and he 
centuries ago lived at Tenochtitlan. For some reason 
not given he decided to leave this city, but at the time 
he left he announced that he would after a time return 
and take up his abode with them. When he left the 
country he stopped for a time in one of the eastern 
countries, and finally going to the shore of the great 
water embarked in a conveyance made of the skins of 
animals. 

This is taught and believed by the priests. It is 
firmly fastened on their minds and they look forward 
to the return of Quetzalcoatl with sadness, for if he 
returns they believe that they will be subjected to his 
rule. 


50 ADVENTUllliS OF FERDINAND TOMASSO, 


It was an exciting day when two carriers wearing a 
certain garb, which is the custom under such circum- 
stances and denotes danger, entered Tenochtitlan. 
The whole city was thrown into excitement. The court 
closed, and the priests for the time left their altars. 
Judges, priests and rulers gathered at the public hall, 
where Moctheuzoma had ordered them to meet for 
consultation in regard to the tidings brought by the 
carriers. 

In their haste to bear to the emperor this important 
news the carriers had exerted themselves greatly. 
They had traveled the whole distance from the place 
where I was taken prisoner by thd ocean to this city 
in one day’s time, while the carriers that brought me 
were four days ; and I then thought we traveled rap- 
idly. The important news, of which I will again 
write, received the attention of the heads of the gov- 
ernment without delay. 

Truly, your old schoolmate, 

Ferdinand Tomasso. 

To Charles Lewis, London, England. 


ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO. 


51 


THIED LETTEE. 

Dear Sir : I will now attempt to inform you of 
the manner in which this people disposed of the in- 
formation in regard to the appearance of the white 
men noticed in another letter. 

Standing erect, Moctheuzoma in a firm but trembling 
tone conveyed the news to his hearers. It was a repe- 
tition of that which he learned from the bearers and 
to the effect that a White God with warriors like my- 
self, the number of which was indicated by figures and 
signs denoting hundreds of thousands, had recently 
landed on the eastern shore of the country. He also 
exhibited a drawing on canvas showing the water 
crafts and the men. His listeners stood silent as if 
spellbound, for they were greatly surprised. The 
story was short and easily comprehended. 

The matter was thoroughly discussed by the priests 
and judges. They all expressed themselves as being 
dissatisfied at the coming of the White Gods, for they 
feared the possible results. The history of their land 
was carefully reviewed to see if they could account for 
this strange occurrence. Moctheuzoma, after this dis- 
cussion was finished, reminded them of the god Quet- 
zalcoatl, and of his having at one time previous to this 
resided in this very city ; of his departure to an un- 
known land over the great water in a conveyance 


52 ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO, 


made of skins, and that upon his departure he said he 
would after many years return. 

Moctheuzoma told them that beyond a doubt this 
was Quetzalcoatl and his allies. As further argument 
to support his view, he reminded them of the time 
when lake Tezcuco, which partially surrounds the 
city, overflowed, and the inhabitants were in great 
danger of their lives. Also that recently a fire had 
spontaneously taken place in one of the places of Avor- 
ship, that it had kindled itself and burned up the sac- 
rifice there provided for Avorship. These signs, it Avas 
believed, were the forerunners of the eA^ent that Avas 
now to take place. With this idea in vieAv, it Avas 
decided to treat these White Gods with consideration 
and respect, and thus Avin their confidence that they 
might finally overpoAver them if possible. 

The emperor prepared a message and ordered a 
band formed to convey it to the White Gods. He 
also provided presents, among which Avere two plates 
of precious metal. They were about equal in size but 
not in weight, for one Avas of gold and the other of 
silver. One of them Avas as heavy as an ordinary 
man, and both were circular in form. Four bearers 
Avere provided to convey each piece, for they Avere 
awkward to carry. The emperor thought that the 
presents would in a measure shoAV his greatness, and 
that they might satisfy the White Gods so that they 
would not molest him, and that they might after this 
through courtesy leave his country. 

The carriers further reported to the emperor that 
the invading White Gods looked very much like me, 
and I was at once taken before one of the judges and 
Qlosely questioned as to my past history. I told them 


ADVENTURES OF EERDlNANV T0MAS80, 53 


that the coming of the White Gods would bring them 
wealth, peace and happiness, that they probably were 
simply visitors and would soon return to their homes, 
but that I was in no way connected with them. The 
judge did not seem to believe what I said, for he 
ordered me to be assigned a hard task without desig- 
nating what it should be. 

The carriers were now forming and preparing for 
the journey to the great water to see the White Gods 
and bear the messages and presents to Moctheuzoma. 
Sickness had rendered one of the carriers unfit for 
duty, and upon the judge being thus informed by one 
of the priests, I was assigned to take his place, which 
was to help carry the heavy loads to the place where 
I first landed. 

I appeared very much displeased when the judg- 
ment of the court was announced, but in reality I 
desired to go and see the explorers, for I thought they 
might be Spaniards and friendly to me. To help 
carry the presents I thought was more than I could 
do, for I knew that to take the place of one of the 
strong carriers, all of which were natives, and besides 
that to continue on the journey while the others 
would exchange at the relays would be almost impos- 
sible for me. But such was the order and I must 
obey it. 

The preparations for the journey were finally com- 
pleted. My apparel was exchanged for a suit like 
those worn by the rest of the bearers, which was col- 
ored in a particular manner to let the people in the 
provinces through which we passed know that the 
mission we were on meant possible danger to the 
country. The sun had now colored me so that with 


54 ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO. 

the present apparel I very much resembled my com- 
panions. 

We started on the journey in the early morning. 
The country through which we traveled was flat, yet 
high above the ocean. It was in a high state of culti- 
vation, and on every hand exhibited the industry of 
the residents, who for the most part lived in little 
villages and used the country surrounding them much 
after the manner of the less enlightened Europeans. 

I could not devote much time to the scenery of the 
country, since the load I was carrying and the effort re- 
quired to keep up occupied most of my attention. 
Soon we entered the mountains, where the road was 
rough and uneven. The hills were steep. I began to 
feel weary, and made every effort to keep up, but it 
was impossible. When the journey was about half 
completed and we were at one of the stations making 
a change I fell asleep from exhaustion. 

The party must reach its destination as soon as pos- 
sible, according to instructions. Other bearers were 
secured and I was placed in one of the litters and car- 
ried along for several miles before I awakened. When 
I awoke all was strange to me and it was some time 
before I fully understood where I was. Part of the 
time I feigned sleep, for I well knew that if the bearers 
became aware that I was awake they would force me 
to again take my place and help carry that large piece 
of gold which I dreamed of while I slept. Some time 
after, however, I did get up and voluntarily at the next 
relay resumed my old place. 

Again I noticed the high mountain that I had seen 
when on my way to Tenochtitlan. The appearance 
was somewhat changed. It was now an active 


ABVKNTURES OF FFUDINAND TOMASiSO. 


55 


volcano. Smoke and ashes were hurled from the top, 
and at night the heavens were lighted up brilliantly. 
As we neared the end of the journey many of the 
natives came to meet us and see the presents tliat 
the emperor was sending to the White Visitors. 
They had all heard of the arrival of the White God, 
and those near enough had visited and seen them for 
themselves. 

At last the wear^^ journey was at an end. We 
arrived tired, hungry and sleepy as the sun was dis- 
appearing behind the mountains. I had a great desire 
to see the visitors for whom I had labored so hard the 
past four days, but decided to rest where I was until 
morning. 

Arising early the next day I noticed that we were 
not far from the place where I had erected my sun- 
shade months before and in its stead now stood a great 
many houses such as the natives build for temporary 
u ;e. We were informed that they were built by the 
natives from the near provinces for the use of the White 
Visitors. It seems that a part of the visitors remained 
01 the fleet, but that the greater number were living in 
tiiese houses. 

After breakfast, which consisted principally of 
totolin and pulque, I went forth to see the chief White 
God, as the natives termed him. Many of the natives 
that came to see the strangers were pleased with their 
appearance and had taken up their abode with -them 
fo * the present. In conversing with one of the chiefs, 
who tliought I was a native, he confidentially told me 
that these were powerful people and for me to be care- 
ful lest I get in trouble. He pointed to one of the 
barques and said that the big god, meaning the chief, 
was there. 


56 ADVENTURED OE FERDINAND TOMADSO, 


I immediately went over to the place where the con- 
veyance was fastened, went on board and at once 
distinguished the commander. I had seen him before 
and at once commenced to converse with him. II is 
face plainly indicated his surprise at hearing what he 
thought to be a native talk to him in his own language. 
It was a little difficult at first, I admit, but I had been 
practicing on my native Janguage to see how much I 
had forgotten. With a little effort the old language 
came back to me and I was enabled to converse intelli- 
gently. After I had made myself known, the chief 
received me kindly. He had left his island home under 
threatening and peculiar circumstances. When his 
intentions of explorations were made known to the 
governor of the island where he had lived, the governor 
became displeased and made an effort to prevent the 
chief from undertaking the enterprise. 

The chief is a man of will and when his mind was 
once fixed it required no slight circumstance to thwart 
his purpose. He had started with his men contrary to 
the orders of the governor, and after much difficulty 
had landed safely at this place. 

The natives showed a disposition toward hospitality 
and busied themselves about the comforts of the 
strangers, and it was under these eircum stances, 
and with j^these surroundings, that I met the com- 
mander. The impression that the chief and his men 
had ’of this country and its people was that it abounded 
in gold and that the inhabitants were a race without 
learning, indolent, strangers to fight, and that they 
would be an easy people to conquer. 

The object of his advent to this country was three- 
fold. To add to the importance of Spain by acquiring 


ADVENTniiES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO. 57 

this new territory ; to set up the religion that he and 
his followers professed ; and lastly to enrich himself 
and soldiers by securing the gold with which it was 
believed this country was well supplied. The expenses 
of this undertaking were borne principally by the 
chief himself, who in his efforts had used every means 
within his power to raise the required amount 
necessary for this voyage. 

The residents of the near provinces had given the 
White Chief and his soldiers many small presents, but 
they in nowise compared with the presents now ready 
to be presented to them from the ruler at Tenoch- 
titlan. 

The wheels of gold and silver, together with pieces 
of fine woven cloth and precious stones, were now 
brouglit forth. The heavy wheel of gold represented 
the sun with its ra3"s and delighted the soldiers. The 
cloth was colored with material which had been pre- 
pared from an insect, and decorated with figures of 
animals woven in the cloth. Each article was closely 
examined b}^ the soldiers with a view of learning more 
of the people with which they must deal. The soldiers 
reasoned that the gold and silver tended to confirm the 
previous report of wealth. 

The cloth and its coloring indicated civilization to a 
greater degree than was previoush^ supposed to exist 
here. The chief construed the giving of the presents 
as an indication of friendship and recognized the kind- 
ness by returning many articles, among which were 
some cut-glass figures which he thought would be 
acceptable to a people who had not before seen the 
like. With the presents he also sent Avord to Moc- 
theuzoma, requesting permission to call on him at 
Tenochtitlan. 


58 ADVENTUUES OF FEUDINAND TOMASSO. 


Before I arrived the priests who accompanied the 
White Gods had been busy with their religious rites 
and ceremonies. They had erected a cross around 
which mass was daily celebrated. The natives though 
but partially understanding looked on in silence. 
Every effort was made to impress them with the 
importance of the religious ceremony. They were 
given small images of the Virgin and taught that they 
were sacred. 

Shortly after the chief landed and when the natives 
were showing their hospitality by gifts of eveiy kind 
that they had to give, a chief of one of the tribes as a 
mark of respect presented the White Chief with twenty 
female slaves. Some of them are quite handsome. 
One in particular is not only pretty but conducts her- 
self in a manner becoming a lad}^ When they were 
presented to the White Chief for his acceptance this 
one, which is called Malinche, looked at him sharply 
for a few moments, and then throwing her head back, 
turned her face to the sky, while her hands were 
clasped on her bosom. It was an attractive scene 
from where I stood, for her figure, with the setting sun 
for a background, showed to its best advantage. 

Her peculiar manner caused the chief to inquire as to 
the reason for her strange actions. She could not 
talk to him, but put her hands in his and indicated that 
she wished to be his slave. When he left she went 
with him and would not be comforted unless permit- 
ted to remain where he was. 

It was necessary for the White Chief to have an in- 
terpreter. He had felt the need of one very much, 
and it at once appeared to him that this woman would 
make a good one, for she appeared anxious to do any- 


ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO. 69 

thing in order to please him. She made every effort 
to learn his wants that she might serve him. Hurried 
on by the goad of adoration she soon learned enough 
of the language to enable her to converse intelligently. 
She afterward rendered good service to the White 
Gods, and she was intelligent, for she was the daugh- 
ter of a former money changer and had received an 
education superior to her companions. 

The story of her life is short, but nevertheless inter- 
esting. Her father is dead. After his death her 
mother married again and by the second husband she 
bore a son. The mother’s superior adoration for her 
son led her to devise a means of disinheriting her 
daughter, that the son might be honored with all the 
riches that she possessed. Accordingly she reported 
that her daughter was dead, and to more fully carry 
out the deception she secured the dead body of another 
child, which she represented to be that of her daughter. 
In reality she had sold her daughter to some traders, 
who in turn sold her to the parties who presented her 
to the White Gods. 

The native carriers that had been sent to the ruler 
now returned from the capital. They bore presents 
as before, but they were not as valuable as those for- 
merly presented. They also brought word from the 
emperor, who expressed himself as having a desire to 
see them, but that his duties were so arduous, the dis- 
tance so great, which, together with the many other 
obstacles in the way, made it impossible. He advised 
them to leave his domain and hoped they would carry 
with them remembrances of his greatness, and that he 
thought it would be preferable, for all of them, if they 
would leave his country peaceably and without delay. 


60 ADVENTUllES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO. 


Many messages were sent back and forth between 
the emperor and the White Chief, in all of which the 
White Chief expressed a desire to see the emperor, 
but the ruler always returned word that it was not 
possible under the then existing circumstances. 

Moctheuzoma did not altogether depend on the 
report of the carriers for his information respecting 
the actions and intentions of the White Chief and his 
men. Shortly after the chief landed Moctheuzoma had 
despatched with one of his parties of bearers an expert 
at representing on cloth, to picture the camp and its sur- 
roundings. For this purpose the artist had selected a 
large cloth prepared and ready for use. When the 
White Chief and his men were busy looking at the 
presents that Moctheuzoma had forwarded to them, he 
rapidly transferred the scene to the cloth. It was 
complete and perfect. Even the vessels, together with 
their white sails casting shadows in the water, were 
correctly portrayed. Before he had finished the 
drawing some of the Spaniards discovered him, and 
were greatly pleased with his skill, yet wondered for 
whose benefit it was prepared. This was sent back 
to Moctheuzoma and often used by him in drawing his 
conclusions respecting the chief White God, or as he 
termed him, Malintzin. 

The sandy beach where the White Gods landed ex- 
tends back from the shore for a long distance, and is 
raised but a little above the level of the water. Here 
the Spaniards had remained for some time. They 
were becoming restless, and to add to their discomfort 
sickness set in. Hear marshes with their decaying 
vegetation aided sickness, and several of their number 
died. 


ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO. 61 


The treasures sent as presents by Moctheuzoma 
created a desire among some of the Spanish soldiers to 
at once force their way into the interior. They com- 
plained of their leader, and were dissatisfied with him 
in the course he pursued. 

Some of them wanted to return and report what 
they had seen to the ruler of their adopted country. 
They said they were tired of that manner of living, 
and if the White Chief did not go they would return 
and let him remain there with his few followers. The 
chi6f talked long and earnestly, endeavoring to per- 
suade them of their foolish design. He showed them 
the folly of returning, when the ])ossibilities were not 
even known. He argued with the discontented with 
convincing statements, when finally peace was restored 
and he was honored by receiving at their hands the 
election to the office of captain-general and chief jus- 
tice of the new colony wdiich he formed. The city 
was given the name of Yilla Kica de la Yera Cruz. 
They were now apparently contented, for each soldier 
in a measure felt a personal interest in the welfare of 
the colony. 

1 wrote you that the establishing of the religion of 
the soldiers among the natives was one of the objects 
of the great undertaking of Malintzin. The initiatory 
opportunity apparently offered itself while the natives 
appeared so friendly. 

One day while many of them were present, among 
which were some of the chiefs, the bell for vespers 
sounded. The soldiers at once fell on their knees 
around the cross which they had planted in the sand. 
One of the priests now began to expound the religion 
to the natives. He talked long to them through 


62 ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO. 


Marina, who had now become almost indispensable. 
After the sermon was over he distributed small images 
of the Virgin. This was more than the natives could 
endure. They said they had treated their white 
visitors friendly, and did not understand why they 
in return should be asked to adopt their religion. 

The next morning the strangers found that the 
natives had deserted their sunshades, and had during 
the nighttime removed their effects. By this action 
the White Chief understood tha,t they were displeased 
and feared that they would further show their dis- 
pleasure by an attack, but such was not the cdse, and 
the White Chief never learned the true reason of their 
leaving at that time, unless it was on account of the 
religion. 


TIIIKD LETTER. 

PART SECOND. 

Strange visitors presented themselves at the camp 
of the soldiers about this time. They appeared very 
friendly, and told Malintzin that they had heard of him, 
and came to ask him and his forces to pay them a 
visit. They explained that while they were ruled by 
Moctheuzoma and under his government, yet they 
were not friendly to him, and that they hoped to be 
independent of his rule some day. They complained 
that their best young men and women were taken for 
religious purposes, and they urged as a reason for the 
visit, that their province was near and that they would 
welcome the chief and his soldiers. They were dressed 


adventures OE FERDINAND TOMASSO. 63 


differently from tliose that had visiied him hereto- 
fore, and seemed to show a greater degree of intelli- 
gence. 

Malintzin now gave the matter attention. If what 
they said was true, he reasoned, it would be policy to 
court their friendship, and afterward they might aid 
him in his efforts to penetrate into the heart of the 
country to the capital. After considering the affairs, 
he promised them that he would pay them a visit at 
their city of Cempoalla shortly. 

After proper preparations they started to Cempoalla. 
Great was the contrast of the Spaniards now march- 
ing to new territory, to the condition that they w^ere 
in at Yilla Rica de la Yera Cruz. They now seemed 
to have an individual interest in the undertaking, and 
the best of spirits prevailed. Their journey was for a 
short distance over a sandy soil, after which they 
reached a higher plain. 

Yegetation and a profusion of flowers were every- 
where noticed. Wild animals bounded from their lairs 
at the approach of the soldiers. Large droves of great 
birds, called by the natives Totolin, w^ere seen. These 
birds are used by the natives as their principal meat. 
Among the smaller animals which abound here a sol- 
dier noticed a snake which he described as having cas- 
tanets on its tail. 

The distance from Yilla Rica de la Yera Cruz to 
Cempoalla is not great and whasmade seemingly shorter 
than it really is by reason of the sights and signs of 
civilization and whealth that the soldiers saw. They 
were now^ prepared, and some of them really expected 
to see streets of gold and ornaments of even greater 
value, for their imagination had been greatly exercised 
over what they had already seen and heard. 


64 ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO. 


During this journey the White Chief did not neglect 
to take every precaution in order to protect his army, 
for his number was not great. While the natives 
were friendly, and he was presumably on a visit, yet 
he did not forget the possibilities of an attack from 
them. As the main body of the soldiers passed through 
the prosperous country, occasionally they noticed 
ruins of old cities which had excited my curiosity when 
I first saw them, and which possibly were ruins of the 
now extinct tribe. Soldiers on horseback neared the 
city of Cempoalla in advance of the main body. 

A high wall completely surrounds and guards the 
city. In the wall are large gates arranged for the ad- 
mission of the inhabitants and visitors. The soldiers 
rode along one side of the city cautiously, and through 
the open gates they beheld some of the magnificent 
buildings. They were finished on the outside with a 
sort of white coating which glistened and shone brightly 
in the sunlight. The soldiers were at once intoxicated 
with the sight they beheld and hurriedly returned to 
the advancing army and ignorantly reported that this 
was truly a great and wealthy city, for the houses were 
covered with silver. When the truth became known 
the soldiers were jeered and made all manner of sport 
of by their companions, greatly to their discomfort. 

The soldiers advanced to a place near the city where 
the friendly natives came forth to meet them. They did 
not anticipate such a warm welcome as they received. 
The natives, attired in attractive cloaks and body cov- 
erings, brought presents. The women came forward 
and greeted them by placing garlands of beautiful 
flowers about their necks and upon their uniforms. It 
impressed the soldiers as a festal day. 


AD YENl URE8 OF FERDINAND T0MAS80. 65 


Amid the confusion of the reception, the natives 
opened the way for their chief ruler. He was corpu- 
lent — so large was he that it was necessary for him to 
have the support of two of his subjects acting as 
bearers, one on either side, to aid him in his walk. 
With the aid of Marina he expressed himself as 
greatly pleased with the White Gods for their visit. 
He provided quarters for them in one of the large 
buildings within the city, and also supplied them with 
costly presents and food in abundance of all the differ- 
ent kinds that the country could produce. 

Hight came. The White Gods were comfortably 
housed with their usual precaution. They barricaded 
the entrance to protect themselves in case of a sur- 
prise. The city contained about forty thousand inhab- 
itants, which were about equally divided, males and 
females. The houses for the most part are strong, 
substantial, and their appearance is pleasing to the eye. 
Some of them are constructed of brick and stone, and 
a small portion of clay which was applied when moist 
and afterward dried by the baking sun. 

The White Chief found the political situation to be 
about as stated by the carriers who first came to in- 
vite him to Cempoalla. This territory was placed 
under the government of Moctheuzoma recently by a 
war of short duration in which he was victorious. The 
ruler of Cempoalla had realized the fact that it was of 
no use to resist so great a power as his and had sur- 
rendered without much resistance. 

They were as yet discontented under the galling 
yoke of Moctheuzoma. In the recent strife he had 
taken many of their best young men and women to be 
used for sacrifice for their gods at Tenochtitlan. Y^t 


66 ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO. 

while this was true and the Cempoallans had many 
grievances, they were all of the same race and wor- 
shipped the same gods. The religion was the same, 
and it was believed that the same gods shaped the 
destiny of all, regardless of the location in which they 
resided. 

During the day after they arrived at Cempoalla, the 
White Chief with a body guard visited the ruler at his 
substantial residence. They were received cordially, 
and the chief without delay explained to the ruler that 
he, the visitor, was the representative of a great 
country and a mighty people beyond the sea. That 
he had come among the natives in order to give them 
a correct idea of religion, and also to right the many 
wrongs done them by Moctheuzoma. He placed great 
emphasis on that part of his conversation which related 
to religion. 

The ruler said that the gods that he recognized had 
given him and his people all that they possessed and 
that he was satisfied with them, and that he did not 
want to change his religion. He told the White Chief 
of his greatness and the importance of his country and 
of its many provinces. As his representatives before 
him had done, he complained that Moctheuzoma de- 
manded his young men and women for sacrifice, which 
he thought very unjust. 

Here was the possible chance for the soldiers to gain 
their conhdence through promises. The White Chief 
told him that they would not permit this to occur 
again, and after giving this promise the White Chief 
returned to his soldiers. 

He made known to the ruler his desire to visit some 
of his near cities and the surrounding country, and 


ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO. 67 


upon the permission being given, he was furnished 
with many bearers to aid him in removing his effects 
from the citv. He left with the understandins: and 
promise that he would soon return and again visit the 
ruler and his city. 

After the White Gods left the city they joined a 
part of their soldiers that came from A ilia Kica de la 
Vera Cruz by another route. Here the chief learned 
that carriers coming from Moctheuzoma had called 
on the ruler at Cempoalla and made a demand for 
men to be used as sacrifice. This was done prob- 
ably for the reason that Moctheuzoma was disjdeased 
with the kindness shown the - soldiers by the ruler at 
Cempoalla. 

The White Chief, anxious to fulfill his promise at 
once, sent out orders to all the tributary country and 
cities refusing the request. He also took the officers 
of Moctheuzoma prisoners, which action caused great 
excitement throughout the countr}^ 

The White Chief received word from Yilla Hica de 
la Yera Cruz that trouble among the colonists there 
might at any time be expected. He at once returned 
and discovered that there was a conspiracy among 
the soldiers that were left there to take the crafts, 
return to the former island and report that the 
present ruler was not the true officer of the governor. 

He at once decided to deal with them harshly. 
As an example of his power he passed the death sen- 
tence on two of them. The pilot was to lose his feet, 
and various other ones to be flogged. The principal 
conspirator was believed to be an acting priest, but for 
that reason he was excused for any wrong that he 
might have committed. To avoid trouble in the 


68 ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO. 


future of this kind the chief ordered the vessels de- 
stroyed. At his command they were literally torn to 
pieces. This being accomplished he again returned to 
Cempoalla. 

While he was thus engaged quieting his subjects at 
Yilla Eica de la Yera Cruz a part of the soldiers were 
camped near Cempoalla. The natives told them of the 
exceptional hunting to be had by going to the swamps 
near a certain river. The journey would take about a 
day’s time. It was agreed to go but to return shortly, 
as their chief might return at almost any time. His 
rules were so strict in regard to the conduct of his 
soldiers that it was not best for them if he would 
return and find that any were absent. I concluded to 
go with them. We reached our destination without 
anything of note to record during the journey. 

In the swamps we found many waterfowls. There 
were numerous lumps of ground that extended above 
the water. On these elevated parts grew a heavy tall 
grass. Altogether it was a wild and undiscovered 
place. The natives refused to enter it. In fact it was 
dangerous, without a weapon to protect one’s self. The 
swamps teemed with birds, which had their nests in 
the grassy ledges. Ugly alligators, with their large 
mouths, existed in great numbers. Snakes of every 
kind that live in or near the water were in abundance. 
Now and again could be heard the snort of animals as 
if in rage. Some of these were very large, larger and 
somewhat the appearance of swine. The natives rec- 
ognized at once the sound of these dreaded animals 
and made extra efforts to get out of their way. 
They said that one of their gods that disappeared years 
before had taken on that shape and they feared his 
wrath, 


ADVENTURliJS OF FBUDIKAKD TOMASSO. 


69 


In no country where it has been my privilege to 
dwell have I had the opportunity to study nature in 
so many different forms and under such varied cir- 
cumstances as here. In many cases I think the 
animals have taken on their various forms, colors and 
habits by reason of their surroundings and environ- 
ments, that they may best preserve their species and 
accomplish that which is to their peculiar liking. On 
the other hand I think there are more cases where the 
animals are as we find them by reason of a special de- 
sign of the Creator that they might live, exist and do 
that to the best advantage for which they were pre- 
viously intended. 

Up to that time I did not think it possible for so 
many kinds of animals to live in such numbers in so 
small a territory. Animals of all kinds, nature and 
description inhabit this country, the stronger feeding 
on the weaker. How true a representatidn of the na- 
tions of the world, each striving to conquer a weaker. 
At the close of the day the soldiers were all well pro- 
vided with game. The hunt was a success, and they 
returned to camp, finding that the chief had not yet 
returned. 

It was fortunate for them that he had not, for they 
remembered some of the strict rules to which he 
adhered. While they were stationed at Cempoalla the 
soldiers frequently went to some of the near cities. 
One of them returning to camp one day from one of 
these trips took a small worthless article of some 
description from one of the natives. It was finally 
reported to the chief, who without delay ordered the 
culprit hanged. He was hung according to the order 
and almost dead when a fellow soldier thinking that 


70 ADVENTXrilES OE FERDINAND TOMASSO. 


he had suffered enough released him and saved his 
life. 

The soldiers noticed, much to their displeasure, while 
going about from place to place among the natives, 
that the offering of human sacrifice was universally 
indulged in. It was horrifying to them. They could 
not understand how a people that loved flowers and in- 
dulged in the luxuries which tended to denote civiliza- 
tion could thus take the lives of their fellow men. 
They were thoroughly indignant, and designed to stop 
it if possible. 

After burning the boats at Villa Kica de la Vera 
Cruz the chief returned to Ceinpoalla. But the news 
in regard to the destruction had reached his soldiers 
before he did. They were greatly exercised over the 
event and complained to the chief that he had by this 
act cut off all possibility of their returning to their 
former homes, and further that they would be mur- 
dered by the natives if they were compelled to remain 
there. 

At no time before this was so great consternation 
shown as at this action of the chief. He plainl}^ saw 
this, and made one of his greatest efforts to quiet 
them. He argued with and finally persuaded them 
that to go back now would be cowardly. That the 
country was rich and that their gain would ultimately 
be great. He completely answered their ai'guments, so 
that at the end of his explanation all was satisfied 
with the arrangement to serve him. 

The first thing to remedy, if possible, were the 
wrongs committed in the observance of the religion of 
the natives. This, while giving the soldiers something 
to do^ would also give them a chance to forward the 


ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO. 


n 


interests of their religion. The chief gave the command 
to destroy the idols wherever they might be found. 
It was not necessary to repeat the order. At once 
the soldiers mounted to the top of the temple where 
the principal god was placed and prepared to execute 
the order. 

The railings around the altar were coated with the 
dry blood of victims slain at various times for centuries 
back, and stains of recent date showed that the prac- 
tice was still observed. 

As soon as the priests discovered the object of tlie 
soldiers in ascending to the top of their temple they 
ran wildly through the city, throwing their hands over 
their heads, and while their long bloody robes flapped 
in the wind, announced to the natives that their gods 
were being destroyed. 

The soldiers quickly tore the god from its fastening and 
threw it to the ground below, where it was destroyed 
by burning. After this the temple was ordered cleaned. 
Carpenters under the direction of the White Chief 
tore up and cleaned the bloody altar, and then the 
whole place was given a coating of new material and 
rendered a fit place for the worship of the soldiers. 

Their religion was now substituted for that of the 
natives. A decorated cross was erected where the 
idol formerly stood. With great pomp and pride 
the new religion was inaugurated. Many native priests 
joined in the inaugural procession, not with their blood- 
stained robes, for they had been exchanged for white 
ones like those worn by the white priests. This was 
the inauguration of the religion here, and to keep it 
before the people that all might adopt it, an old and 
crippled priest was left in charge to instruct the natives 
daily. 


72 ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND T0MAS80. 

Preparations were now made to leave Cempoalla for 
the great march toward the-capital. The Cempoallans 
aided them by giving provisions and furnishing several 
hundred bearers and soldiers. They marched over 
the flat lands surrounding Cempoalla for some distance 
and then reached the mountains. The roads were 
slippery, wet, and greatly out of repair by reason of 
the recent rains. They passed through many settle- 
ments and cities. At each of the cities the natives 
boasted of their great strength, and usually the number 
of subjects claimed was greatly in excess of the true 
number. They were so anxious to impress the soldiers 
with their greatness that their zeal often led them to 
mistake the facts in regard to the country and its 
inhabitants. 

The change in the climate to which the soldiers had 
been accustomed at the seashore rendered it ver}^ hard 
on them, and especiall}^ so with the Cempoallans. 
They were now on the high tablelands of the moun- 
tains, several thousand feet above the sea, and some of 
them died of exposure. Had it not been for the kind 
treatment at the hands of the natives the suft’erinff 

o 

would have been much greater than it was. 

In marching through the mountainous country, pick- 
ing out their way as best they could, the soldiers 
were unexpectedly delayed by what at first seemed to 
be a complete barrier. Here, directly in front of the 
army the passageway was apparently stopped by a 
thick, high wall. It was soon discovered that there 
were, however, small openings through it large enough 
to admit them one at a time. Ho one seemed to be 
near to deny admission, and leading his men the chief 
marched through. The way was usually guarded, as 


ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO. 'J'3 

was afterward learned, but at this time, for some 
reason unknown, no resistance was offered. 

This was the opening to the Tlascalan country. For 
years the Tlascalans had been carrying on war with 
the surrounding tribes, and had erected this wall to 
keep out intruders. While it was a prosperous 
country, and the natives numerous, yet it was some- 
times impossible for them to withstand the forces of 
the emperor. Consequently they were not wholly’ in 
sympathy with him. 

Upon entering the Tlascalan country, the White 
Chief selected a party of Cempoallans and sent them 
to the Tlascalan capital in advance of the army, to in- 
form them of his coming. Upon their arrival the 
chief ruler caused a meeting of his priests and warriors 
to be held to consider the course they would adopt. 
They were not all of the same mind, for there was 
great diversion of opinion in regard to the object of 
the visitors. They had all heard magnified reports of 
the exploits of the soldiers, and argued that they would 
simply come and destroy their gods as they had done 
at Cempoalla. Others argued that they were enemies 
of Moctheuzoma, and with their help they might 
conquer their strongest enemy, the emperor. The 
council adjourned without definitely deciding upon any 
direct line of action. 

Soon after the main body of Spaniards entered the 
edge of the Tlascalan country they were met by a 
large band of Tlascalans, arrayed and ready for battle. 
Figliting at once commenced. The advance forces of 
the soldiers were almost overpowered, but when the 
full force of the army was brought to action, the 
natives were repulsed with great loss. 


74 ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO, 


The next day another encounter took place. The 
natives \Yere at first unyielding, and the White Chief 
again found it necessary ta use the whole force of his 
army. A change in the battle took place at once, the 
natives were horror stricken when they heard the guns 
firing and beheld their sad effects ; yet they were not 
discouraged. With their deadly war cry sounding, 
they again rushed among the mounted soldiers, cutting 
and pounding with their sharp swords, until finally a 
horse was killed. 

Great was the fight for the possession of the carcass, 
for the natives attached a kind of superstition to that 
animal as being particularly dangerous. After a 
bloody struggle the natives secured the dead horse, and 
it was learned that they afterward distributed pieces 
of the animal to the different provinces as a sign of 
victory. 

But few of the soldiers were killed, owing to the 
fact that the natives wanted their live bodies to be 
used on their altars for sacrifice, and consequently 
made efforts to take them prisoners. The loss of the 
natives was great. It was almost impossible to tell 
how many were killed, for the reason that the natives 
carried their dead warriors away as fast as they fell, 
for burial. 

The White Chief was not satisfied with this degree 
of success. This race offered a greater resistance to 
his advance than he had at first anticipated, but his 
army was now greater than at any time heretofore, 
for he had received recruits from almost every city 
he had passed through until he reached this 
country. 

Two of the Cempoalla carriers to the Tlascalan cap- 


ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO. 


75 


ital, that the White Chief sent, had now returned with 
the sad news that the ruler was very much displeased 
with the action of the White God, and that they were 
taken prisoners to be offered as sacrifice, but by 
chance made good their escape by night. But 1 will 
write you more in this connection at another time. 

Your old schoolmate, 

Ferdinand Tomasso. 

To Charles Lewis, London, England. 


76 ADVENTURED OE FERDINAND TOMASDO. 


FOUETII LETTEE. 

Dear Sir: By persuasion the chief White God 
thought he might gain the friendship of this powerful 
people. To this end he dispatched his bearers to the 
ruler, asking leave to visit him at the capital, also 
stating that he did not want to fight, but hoped for 
peace. The ruler returned word that the chief and his 
soldiers might visit him, but if they did their bodies 
would be used for sacrifices. 

By this the soldiers saw that it would be necessary 
to fight their way through the Tlascalan country or give 
up the attempt to reach the capital. The soldiers 
rested until the next day and again prepared for battle. 
Their leader made a speech which inspired them with 
love for the great cause, and gave them confidence and 
strength to go forward. 

They marched out on the open next day prepared to 
fight as effectively as possible. The sight that met 
their eyes was almost enough to cause retreat, for the 
natives were also ready for the fray. They could be 
seen in the distance approaching in multitudes, for their 
number appeared to be as those of the sands at the 
seashore. 

They were dressed, as is their custom, according to 
rank, with a cloth that resists the arrows well, but was 
not calculated to resist the shots that the soldiers were 
prepared to give them. Their implements of warfare 


ADVENTURKS OF FERDINAND TOMASSO. 77 

were polished and burnished, and as they marched for- 
ward their weapons of war and gaudy array glistened 
and shone in the sunlight with great splendor. 

The few soldiers in comparison with the great num- 
ber of natives made it appear foolish for them to even 
attempt the resistance that would be necessary. The 
forces marched forward, and when the distance was 
tliouglit proper for the most effective use of their guns, 
the soldiers by well directed shots, seemed to prevent 
further approach of the natives, for the present at 
least. 

The loss to the natives was great, and they fell by 
hundreds, as if some poisonous odor had instantaneously 
overtaken them. Although hundreds fell and the 
ground was covered with blood, yet they rallied under 
the impetuous war cry sounded by their warriors. 

New recruits now came on from the rear, and by a 
mad rush the whole force of their army came full upon 
the soldiers. They threw their arrows and spears so 
fast and thick that the sunlight was shut out and 
darkness reigned for a short time. The Spaniards 
were now frightened in reality and almost ready to 
surrender. The natives continued to fight with venge- 
ance, and in their efforts to conquer disabled many of 
the horses of tlieir adversaries. 

It was a critical time for the soldiers, and doubtless 
would have ended in their entire defeat had it not 
happened that at this moment one of the commanders 
of a great section of the natives without previous 
warning withdrew his forces from the field. Other 
forces followed his example, thus leaving but about 
half the number of native forces to continue the fight 
with the soldiers. 


78 ADVENTUBE8 OF FERDINAND TOMASSO^ 


The White Chief at once took advantage of the sit- 
uation, and by one of his greatest efforts succeeded in 
clearing the field. The cause of the withdrawal of 
the forces from the battle, as was afterward learned, 
was a quarrel among the commanders over a false re- 
port of matters in relation to the withdrawing chief. 
To this action almost entirely was due the victory 
gained by the soldiers. 

The Tlascalans now found it necessary to call their 
chief priests and rulers together for a consultation. 
They had met with severe losses in all their combats 
with the soldiers thus far, and it was thought time 
now to meet and decide on some definite plan of 
action. The defeated commander of the native forces 
wished to redeem himself and regain the confidence of 
his brothers, and he again urged that the warfare be 
continued. 

The priests and astrologers said tliat the soldiers 
were not gods or even superior beings to themselves, 
but simply children of the sun, that they received their 
strength from that source, and that after dark, when 
the sun no longer shed its raj’s upon its children, they 
lost their strength and would be powerless to protect 
themselves, and consequently easily subdued. This 
view of the priests and astrologers in regard to the 
soldiers was universally adopted, and consequently a 
night attack was arranged for without the knowledge 
of the soldiers. 

The natives, headed by the defeated commander of 
the previous engagement, marched forth from their 
camping place under the light of a full moon. They 
advanced carefully lest they might arouse their ene- 
mies. The cautiousness of the White Chief had 


ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO. 


79 


prompted him to keep his camp well guarded at all 
limes, and particularly at night. One of the guards 
detected the advancing dark line of enemies in the 
distance. He lost no time in arousing the camp, when 
in a short time all was confusion for a few minutes. 

When the soldiers were well awake they seized their 
weapons and in a moment’s time were in their saddles 
ready for the command of their leader, who decided 
not to wait but to move forward and meet the enemy 
away from the camp. The natives were much surprised 
to see the soldiers approaching, and became almost 
panic stricken when they saw them coming. 
The chief attacked the natives so quickly that they 
became more frightened, and retreated, suffering great 
loss, while the damage to the soldiers was slight. 

As was usual with the White Chief, after gaining a 
victory over the Tlascalans he sent bearers to the chief 
ruler asking that he might have leave to pass through 
his country unmolested, to furnish him with supplies, 
and also asking for an early interview. He sent word 
that if his request was not granted he would destroy 
all the cities and lay the country in waste. The ruler 
this time received the bearers in a kind manner, but 
told them that he could not comply ivith their request 
at present, and so dismissed them. 

The soldiers’ wearing apparel was now becoming 
badly worn. The inclement weather, rainy and chilly, 
sickened many of the weaker soldiers and a part of 
the forces were sent to secure needed supplies from 
the surrounding settlements. Every place they went 
they destroyed the buildings and secured all that was 
of value to them, and then returned to the main army 
with the spoils. 


80 ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO. 


The idle days of the forces left in the camp had been 
productive of arousing in them a feeling of discontent. 
They feared the number and strength of their enemies, 
and that their foe was too great for them to conquer. 
They complained to their leader and said it was folly 
for them to even think of ever conquering the inhabi- 
tants. The chief thought it wise to convince them, if 
possible, that they would ultimately be victorious. He 
reasoned with them until again the army rallied and 
was ready to go at his bidding. 

Some Tlascalan visitors from the ruler came for a 
consultation with the chief. Marina informed the 
chief that she believed that they were spies seeking to 
learn the true state of affairs in regard to their army. 
The chief, acting upon the belief of Marina, promptly 
ordered that their hands be amputated. This being 
done, they were liberated that they might return to 
their ruler as an example, and with the message, that 
whenever he or any of his people came the soldiers 
would be ready to capture and annihilate them. The 
ruler was greatly cast down by reason of the treat- 
ment of his bearers, and that the soldiers had divined 
the true purpose for which the bearers were sent. He 
now decided to visit the White God himself. 

Notwithstanding the threats of his soldiers, the ruler, 
with two hundred of his subjects, visited them with 
great pomp and pride. He was dressed showily. His 
garments were trimmed with white cloth and decorated 
with feathers. He informed the chief that he had 
been misinformed as to who the visitors were. That 
he thought him a friend of Moctheuzoma since he saw 
some of his subjects with him. He offered this as his 
excuse for his treatment toward them. 


ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO. 81 


He further said that he wished the past to be for- 
gotten, and for them to become friends, and closed his 
visit by giving the chief some fine feather presents, at 
the same time making an apology for their not being 
of greater value. He requested an early removal of 
the soldiers to the city of Tlascala, where he promised 
them a friendly welcome and an abundance of supplies. 

Through his system of bearers Moctheuzoma learned 
day by day of the progress the foreigners were making 
in the Tlascalan country. Every engagement and its 
results was noted by him. He had hoped that the 
Tlascalan s, though not altogether friendly to his rule, 
would be victorious. Yet such had not been the case, 
and he became satisfied beyond a doubt that these 
people were invincible and the people that would come 
to claim his domain. Notwithstanding this he con- 
tinued to send rich presents to them, as if to simply 
defer the time of their coming. 

At one time he sent word that he would like to have 
the chief and his people pay him a visit at Tenoch- 
titlan,. but that the chief must not go there for the 
reason that his immediate subjects would be so angry 
that he feared they would destroy all of them. 

The pressing invitation of the ruler of the Tlascalans 
for the army to remove to Tlascala was now accepted. 
The ruler furnished and sent the expected visitors 
hundred of bearers to aid the Spaniards in transporting 
their effects to that city. 

The road hty through a prosperous and rich country 
dotted here and there with cities. As each settlement 
was reached the natives received the White Gods 
kindly. The metropolis of the Tlascalans was finally 
reached and the journey at an end for the present, 


82 ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO. 


The natives came to the gates of the city eager to 
catch the first glimpse of those that were to be their 
guests. The city was given up to the event and a 
holiday was observed among its inhabitants. Men, 
women and children, attired in their gaudy array, pre- 
sented themselves before the visitors with flower offer- 
ings. The soldiers were decorated by the Tlascalans 
with sweet-scented buds, and from festoons over the 
street and decorations on the buildings came the sweet 
perfume of flowers wafted by a light breeze, as if to 
offer their aid in the congratulations to the soldiers 
upon their arrival. 

The ruler and men in authority with one accord 
showed their acquiescence by their presence. Even 
the aged and blind father of one of them gratified 
his desire to aid in receiving the strangers in peace by 
passing his hand over the face of the White Chief. 

The soldiers were provided with shelter in one of the 
temples, which furnished very comfortable quarters. 
They were given provisions in abundance, and their 
various wants were well supplied. 

The city is built compactly. The better class of 
buildings are constructed, as is usually the case here, 
of brick and stone. The streets are kept clean, not- 
withstanding the fact that they are not paved. There 
are four divisions to the city, or rather four cities, for 
they were each built at different periods. Each of the 
four parts is surrounded by a high and strong wall 
through wliich are openings connecting one part of the 
city with the other. 

The religion of the natives here as elsewhere was a 
source of annoyance to the soldiers. When they had 
reviewed it they became more firmly impressed with 


ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO. 83 

the idea that it was their duW to suppress it, and would 
have proceeded at once by force, if not otherwise suc- 
cessful, had it not been for the cool view that one of 
their priests took of the matter. 

The Tlascalans gained faith day by day in the power 
and purpose of the soldiers. They now prepared to 
and did present some of the commanders of the White 
God forces with high born maidens for wives. There 
is no reason to believe that the wishes of the maidens 
were consulted in this matter, but they accepted the 
situation as a matter prearranged and final. These 
were received by the officers, but at the same time they 
were baptized, to show the natives that they did not be- 
lieve in their religion, and this act was necessary to 
cleanse them of their wickedness and render them fit 
servants for the soldiers. 

The soldiers now gained permission to erect a cross. 
Around this they worshiped and became so enthusi- 
astic in the observance of the same that at one time 
they declared that the cross was illuminated by fire 
from heaven. 

During all this time Moctheuzoma was not forgetful 
of the location of his foes. He continued to send costly 
presents and learn what he could in regard to them. 
Finally he invited the soldiers to call on him at 
Tenochtitlan, and proposed that they come by the way 
of Cholula. He also warned the White Chief against 
making friends with the Tlascalans, saying that they 
were unreliable and not worthy of his respect. 

,The wishes and advice of Moctheuzoma were made 
known to the Tlascalans, who at once cautioned the 
White Chief to remain away from Tenochtitlan, for 
thev said is was only a means the residents had of 


84 ADVENT CrilES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO. 

getting them in their city, when they would destroy the 
only means of escape and murder all of them. They 
also disapproved of the visit to Cholula, for they said it 
was an ancient city devoted to the worship of one of 
their gods, and that the chief and his followers would 
not be welcome there. 

The White Chief listened patiently to all that their 
men in authority said, and then told them that it was 
his intention to go to the stronghold of Moctheuzoma. 
That it was the object of his visit to the country and 
that no argument could prevail to prevent him. He 
also told them that he proposed going to Cholula 
to see the ancient city, and to establish his religion 
there, notwithstanding the advice and opposition 
offered to the contrary. 

The armv, which was now increased by five thousand 
Tlascalans, moved forward to Cholula. The time 
spent at Tlascala had been so pleasant and agreeable 
that it was with reluctance that the soldiers left. 
The journey of the army through the well cultivated 
country lying between Tlascala and Cholula was with- 
out incidents worthy of note. The soldiers noticed the 
ruins of some of the once populous cities with a degree 
of wonderment. Their destination was at an end and 
the journey completed at the close of day. 

The chief, mindful of the inconvenience to which his 
men might place the residents, and also partially for 
the reason that his new recruits were not friendly to 
the people of Cholula, decided to remain for the night 
without the city. Soon after they arrived the pres- 
ence of the White Gods was noised about among the 
residents of the city. The rulers came forth, accom- 
panied by the priests, men and women, all bearing flow- 


ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO. 85 

ers and designs of welcome, as the nativ^es had done 
at other cities that they had visited. The White God 
was urged by the natives to enter the city at once. 
At first he refused, but finally decided to enter. 

He selected mostly Spaniards and marched in, leav^- 
ing the Tlascalans in camp on the outside, for the 
reason that the presence of the Tlascalans might 
excite the wrath of the residents. He was assigned one 
of the places of worship, which gave his men comfort- 
able quarters. Eefreshments and presents were given 
them without stint or reservation. 

This city is an old one and was occupied by the 
former race before their mysterious disappearance. 
The principal place of worship that they probably 
erected remains, yet approaching in size a small 
mountain, and indeed were it not for its symmetrical 
form and the position in which it is placed in refer- 
ence to the compass, one might incline to believe it the 
work of nature. On the top is now placed the altar. 
This is the chief place of worship, but it is only one of 
many with which the city is provided, for was not this 
city at one time specially favored with a visit from the 
god of gods Quetzalcoatl, and did he not dwell here 
for a time ? 

Thus is the city by tradition honored. That in part 
provides the reason for the erection of the many tem- 
ples and the extravagant sacrifice of human life. The 
altars, as others I have noticed, are coated with the 
blood of numberless victims of this part of their 
religion, for it has been used for this purpose for years 
and years. They probably destroy five thousand 
lives every year in this inhuman way. The soldiers 
found at one temple the enormous number of one 


86 ABYENTORES OE, FERDINAND TOMASSO. 


hundred and thirty-six thousand skulls. At the 
inauguration of one of their chief gods, about one hun- 
dred years before this, seventy thousand victims are said 
to have been sacrificed. 

Do not estimate these people alone from the state- 
ments in regard to their sacrifices, for they are the 
most enlightened of the many tribes that the White 
God has yet seen. While you think of the death 
scene on the altar, do not forget their many virtues 
and great love for flowers. According to the rules of 
civilization these things are inconsistent. But the 
sacrifice is a part of their religion. They have been 
reared under it, and taught that it was right, and 
probably a native prisoner would be disappointed if he 
was not offered as a sacrifice to appease the wrath of 
the gods. Not alone are the captives offered, for some- 
times the priests order a festival and an offering of 
innocent children. 

For the most part the buildings are built in a sub- 
stantial manner of brick and stone and give evidence 
of age. They are flat-roofed, and their entrances are 
guarded simply by heavy curtains hung in such a 
manner that when any one enters the metal attach- 
ments jingle and announce the presence of the 
visitor. 

For a time the soldiers fared as well here as at Tlascala. 
But that state of affairs existed for a short time only. 
The supplies and friendship decreased, until final!}’' 
they ceased altogether. The White Chief was at a 
loss to know the reason therefor. He suspected -these 
people, for he had been warned by the Tlascalans, and 
he proposed to find out without delay, if possible, the 
reason of their displeasure. 


ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO. 87 


Marina, as was always the case with the inhabi- 
tants that she met, was a favorite, and she soon be- 
came acquainted with the ladies of nobility, who 
rather looked upon her as a captive, and sympathized 
with her in her afflictions. The intimacy caused the 
native women to converse with her in a conddential 
manner. They informed her that word had ' been 
received from Mociheuzoma, and that he had ordered 
hospitality toward the soldiers to cease, and also de- 
manded a destruction of the army. Though Marina 
received this information in confidence, she at once in- 
formed the chief of what she had heard. 


FOURTH LETTER. 

PART SECOND. 

The chief ordered the Tlascalans on the outside of 
the city, to recon noi ter. They did so and reported 
that many of the gates of the city were closed, and 
that heavy rocks had been carried in great numbers to 
the tops of the flat-roofed houses, and were there now 
ready to be hurled down upon the soldiers at any 
time. This to him was sufflcient to show their inten- 
tion of carrying out the instructions of the emperor. 
He conversed with the rulers, saying nothing that 
would in anywise betray his knowledge of their in- 
tentions, but simply told them that he would have to 
leave the city ; that he could no longer remain with 
them at this time. He announced that he would leave 
during the next day. That night the excited soldiers 


BS AbVENfURES OF FERDINAND TOMAS80. 


who knew the true state of affairs received but little 
rest. They retired with their weapons near them, 
expecting avery moment to be called upon to defend 
themselves. 

Early next morning the White Gods were up and 
ready to leave the city, as they had arranged for, but 
they feared that when they came to leave they would 
have trouble in so doing. They marched out into the 
principal street, and were surprised to see directly in 
front of them the natives in vast numbers arrayed and 
prepared for battle. The White Chief informed them 
that he well knew their intentions, and without wait- 
ing for an answer ordered his soldiers forward. The 
larger guns were quickly placed in a position to 
clear the principal streets, and firing commenced. 

The soldiers on horseback rode their steeds am on 
the natives, tramping them down without mercy. The 
natives were so surprised at the use of firearms and 
horses in battle that they were apparently dazed, and 
making but little defense they ran panic stricken in all 
accessible ways. Some attempted to climb the walls, 
thus exposing themselves to the fatal shots of the 
Spaniards. The fight continued and many of the 
natives were killed, j^atives appeared to take the 
place of their fallen brothers. The Tlascalans from 
without the city now entered. They were somewhat 
pleased at the opportunity thus offered of revenge to 
their former enemies. They set fire to the buildings, 
and the total destruction of the sacred city of Cholula 
now seemed probable. Driven from the streets some 
of the natives mounted to the tops of the great temples. 
There they heated their spears to a white heat and 
hurled them at their adversaries below. 


ADVENTUR^JS OF FERDINAND TOMAm). 


8S 


They had been taught and believed that if the 
temple was damaged, or in any way partially destroyed, 
it would fall on and crush its would-be destroyers. In 
their ignorance the natives thought to bring this about 
and annihilate their enemies while they were near. To 
this end they removed one part of the temple them- 
selves, and were disappointed to see that the balance 
still remained in its position, and did not fall on the 
soldiers as they had been taught it would. 

The order by the White Chief to spare the women 
and children was strictly observed, but the number of 
warriors killed and wounded by the soldiers was more 
than at first estimated. In fact but few were left to 
narrate the circumstances under which the city was 
taken. In the streets by the walls they were piled 
over each other several deep. Some dead, some dying 
from their wounds, and others smothering by reason 
of the dead and dying bodies of those lying on them. 

Thus was the city of Cholula conquered, and another 
stronghold of Moctheuzoma delivered over and rendered 
subject to the rule of the White Gods. The effect on 
the surrounding country and smaller cities located 
therein was magical. The emperor’s subjects now be- 
gan to lose faith in his powers and came to the White 
Gods in great numbers, saying that they were their 
friends and wanted to stay with and obey them. The 
religion of the White Gods was without delav instituted 
here ; crosses were erected, and mass celebrated with 
great pomp. 

The final march to Tenochtitlan was now com- 
menced. The army, reinforced by the Tlascalans, 
moved forward. Soon the rough road leading up and 
through the mountains was reached. The altitude was 


90 ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO. 


high, and soon the rich green fields of maturing grain 
were left far behind. 

The soldiers, especially the Tlascalans, suffered 
greatly from exposure, and it seemed that they would 
not have been able to survive one of the nights that 
they were compelled to pass in this country had it not 
been that they were near to one of the government 
post-houses, which they entered for protection. Their 
track lay through this dreary country for a long dis- 
tance, when the slope to the westward was reached. 

Shortly after this signs of habitation presented them- 
selves to the west. The cities became more numerous, 
until to the delight of the Spaniards they reached a 
point which gave them an unobstructed view of the 
valley surrounding the great city of Tenochtitlan. 

There in the distance they beheld the capital sur- 
rounded by lakes which were fringed with green trees, 
and^through which at short distances showed villages or 
cities, extending down to the water’s edge. The country 
in all directions exhibited evidence of a great popula- 
tion. The country as they marched on tliey noticed to 
be moistened by water from small canals, or water- 
ways. Cities through which they passed became 
larger, and the people showed a higher degree of civil- 
ization as they approached the great capital. 

At one of the cities they were met by bearers fi-oni 
Moctheuzoma. They bore one of the rulers in a litter. 
He was gorgeously arrayed with fine linens, and his 
head was covered with a sort of dress which bore a 
plume of green feathers. He came with presents and 
brought words of welcome from the great ruler. The 
natives now came to the course through curiosity. 
They all knew of the White Gods but they did not 
seem to exhibit that friendliness which was experienced 


ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO 


91 


from the natives immediately after the victory at 
Cholula. 

They proceeded to one of the causeways leading 
over the lake to the city. This was built with math- 
ematical precision and was strong enough for any 
practical purpose. The soldiers in front riding on 
horseback, followed by the heavy guns and finally by 
the Tlascalans, all made an important spectacle for the 
natives, who came from their little water crafts and 
climbed up the sides of the causeway in such numbers 
as to impede travel. This caused the chief to use force 
to clear the way. 

The lake was fairly covered over with little water 
crafts. They, perhaps, numbered about five thousand 
and each contained from one to five persons. To add 
to the strange yet beautiful scene, the lakes surround- 
ing the city, and over an arm of which the causeway 
was built, was dotted with little floating islands, cov- 
ered with bright blooming flowers. The natives’ great 
love for blooming plants had caused them to construct 
frameworks of twigs, which they covered with rich 
earth, and in this transplanted plants and set them 
afloat on the lake. Mid the favorable circumstances 
surrounding them, the plants bloomed forth on their 
floating islands and filled the evening air with rich 
perfume, which was wafted over the city and tended 
to make it a pleasant place in which to dwell. 

As the city was approached, on the causeway and 
near the main land the soldiers noticed that a section 
of the causeway was movable, and by the manipula- 
tions of the attendants this section could be opened 
and the connection of the city with the mainland 
entirely cut off. It was not with favor that this fact 


92 AJDVENTUllES OF FEUEINAND TOMASSO. 


was recorded, but without apparent concern they came 
on shore. 

The welcome to the city was much the same as they 
had received at many of the other cities in Anahuac, 
except that this was grander and of greater con- 
sequence. There was a marked difference in the 
people, both in their physical appearance and that of 
their wearing apparel, to the natives that they had 
first met in the eastern part of the country. It is an 
easy matter to distinguish the different grades of 
society here, and the rulers, or the men in authority, 
can easily be detected among the throng by reason of 
their dress. 

The scene of the reception of the White Gods by the 
emperor and his staff at Tenochtitlan was an impor- 
tant and at the same time an impressive one. At the 
entrance to the causeway on the island were gathered 
thousands of natives from all grades of society, eager 
to catch a glimpse of the White God Visitors. The 
press was so great that the soldiers were compelled 
to halt. 

They were now at the head of a long wide road that 
led up into the city. They looked up this wide street, and 
in the distance beheld coming toward them the nobil- 
ity of Anahuac. As the royal train marched forward 
the subjects pressed to either side, leaving a passage- 
way in the center of the street. As they did so, they 
threw themselves on the ground, by this act indicating 
their submission to the rulers. 

Moctheuzoma was borne by slave bearers in one of 
the litters at the head of the royal procession. His 
litter was furnished in the costliest manner known to 
his people. Fine cloth and feathers added to its dec- 


ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND T0MA8S0. 98 

oration. The emperor himself was arrayed in a 
becoming and tasty manner with fine clothes decorated 
with jewels and ornaments of gold. The plumage 
that he wore was green, and his appearance in general 
was imposing. 

The White Gods stood in awe while before them was 
lowered the litter and the emperor was assisted to 
alight from his gilded and palatious chair. As soon 
as the bearers halted and the litter was lowered to the 
ground, servants came forward with thick robes and 
placed them on the ground that the emperor’s shoes, 
which were decorated with beads and provided with 
soles of solid gold, might not touch the earth. 

He at once confronted the chief of the White Gods, 
welcomed him to the city, and gave him many fine 
and costly presents. The chief of the White Gods in 
turn placed a chain of glass about his neck and offered 
words of greeting. The reception ceremonies were 
short, and after the emperor had given directions for 
the entertainment and comfort of the White Gods he 
was placed in his litter and borne back to his palace. 

The visitors were assigned quarters in one of the 
large, spacious buildings located in the southern part of 
the city. As they marched thither they admired the 
buildings, paved streets, arched ways over the many 
canals that run through the city in different directions, 
the growing plants on the flat-roofed houses, and the 
occasional large open spaces which were devoted to 
the cultivation of trees and flowers, and furnished with 
small lakes, around which were lounging places for the 
natives on holidays and in the evenings. 

Arriving at the large building assigned to them, the 
Qhief made a pritical examination of the same. He 


94 ADVENTURK8 OF FERDINAND TOMASSO, 

found it commodious, and that the thick high walls 
were made of stone. The soldiers were there but a 
short time when the emperor arrived and in appropri- 
ate words dedicated the building to the use of the 
White Gods. He ordered food and sent servants 
to the building to wait upon and satisfy the wants 
of the soldiers. He left them, asking leave to. call 
upon them again in a short time, which of course 
was granted him. The soldiers found their wants pro- 
vided for in the best possible manner. The com- 
mander, notwithstanding the hospitable and friendly 
manner in which he had been received, prepared to 
protect his little force in case it became necessary. 
He ordered the larger guns placed in a position com- 
manding the streets, and also detailed guards for both 
day and night dutv, to report in case of danger. 

As was previously arranged, Moctheuzoma came to 
the building for another visit to the White Gods but a 
few days after their arrival. He was accompanied by 
a few of his chieftains, who brought presents of cloth- 
ing and jewelry for the soldiers. Without delay he 
proceeded to ask the White Chief who he was, where 
he came from, and for what purpose he desired to visit 
tliis counLiy. The chief told him that he was from a 
mighty king beyond the water, and that he came in 
peace to see this wonderful country and its capital. 

Moctheuzoma spoke of the people that had before 
inhabited the land. He said that they were fair, and 
that from the description he had of them that the 
soldiers resembled them in appearance. That they 
left the country and went toward the east, saying that 
they would return again. But he thought that the 
people that he was addressing was not the people that 


ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND T0MAS80. 95 

history told of, and in fact that they were but little, if 
any, superior to his own race. Upon hearing this tlie 
White Chief asked permission for leave to call in the 
near future on him at his residence. The request was 
granted. The soldiers were now getting rested from 
the fatigue that the long march to the city had caused 
them. They prized highly the presents of clothing 
that had been given them by the emperor, for their old 
garments were worn almost to shreds. 

With a few of his commanders and Marina as inter- 
preter the chief went to call on Moctheuzoma at his 
castle. The distance from where he was located was 
not great. The building presented an unexpected 
sight to him. The front was highly ornamented, yet 
it was combined with solidity and grandness, and in 
all exhibited a peculiar kind of architecture. Figures 
were carved in the stone in a beautiful manner and to- 
gether with the polished upright columns of a harder 
stone, the whole was given an air magnificent. 

The visiting party was met, after some little delay, 
inside the entrance, by servants, who bowed low, 
touched their hands to the ground and then raised 
them to their heads. While waiting for some one to 
appear after entering, and before the servants came, 
the party partially viewed the first great hall with its 
vaiaous recesses. 

It is said that the hall is so large and the construc- 
tion so peculiar that visitors have often been lost there. 
The ceiling is decorated with hard wood lain in such a 
manner as to harmonize the colors. After the servants 
appeared they beckoned the party to follow. Wind- 
ing around through vast curtains, now to the right, now 
to the left, passing numerous supporting columns on 


96 ADVENTURES OP FERDINAND T0MA8S0. 


the way, tbe visitors were ushered finally into the 
presence of Moctheuzoma. 

He was pleasantly passing the time with some of his 
rulers, who at once ceased their conversation and all 
attention was given to the white visitors. 

When they entered Moctheuzoma arose, welcomed 
them, and asked the chiefs will. He in fact called on 
him in order to secure an opportunity to preach the 
ruler a sermon. He commenced at the creation of the 
world and fully described the history of his religion ; 
spoke of the folly of that observed by the ruler’s sub- 
jects and asked him to adopt the religion that he spoke 
of. Moctheuzoma acknowledged many of the asser- 
tions made by the White Chief, but did not declare 
himself nor decide fully. 

After receiving gifts from him the chief departed 
and returned to his soldiers. He had gained permis- 
sion to inspect the city, for he knew the benefit it 
would be to him and his soldiers in case of a conflict. 
He already knew something of his surroundings, but 
not enough to direct his forces advantageously. 

Wandering about the city, accompanied by detailed 
nobles of the emperor, the White Chief found the city 
to be much larger than he had before supposed. It 
probably contained five hundred thousand inhabitants 
at the time of which I write. 

The food for so great a city, necessary to sustain 
them, as was their way, sumptuously, was brought from 
the country surrounding the lake, and for the most part 
was carried in little water crafts over the lake and up 
through the city by way of some of the numerous 
canals. The water for household purposes was supplied 
from a fresh spring, above and beyond the lake, and 


ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO. 97 


conducted to a large reservoir located in the principal 
part of the city. 

The animal garden was one which, by reason of its 
location here in this tropical country, made it particu- 
larly attractive and important. Here appeared in a 
healthy state a collection of birds, complete, from the 
small and beautiful humming-bird to the eagle from 
the mountains. Reptiles, including snakes both from 
water and land. Those animals peculiar to the 
swamps and so greatly feared by the natives. The 
larger animals were also full}^ represented, and 
the collection contained specimens of all kinds that 
inhabit this latitude. The particular wants of the 
animals were studied and supplied by the attendants, 
who also kept the spacious quarters clean and well 
ventilated. 

Truly, your old schoolmate, 

Ferdinand Tomasso. 

To Charles Lewis, London, England. 


98 AD VENTULiKtS OF FERDINAND TOMASSO, 


FIFTH LETTER 

Dear Sir: The emperor’s wants were in nowise 
neglected by his subjects. All manner of devices were 
employed, and all luxuries provided, to make him enjoy 
his life; indeed, it compared favorably with the attend- 
ance of the royalty of some of our so-termed civilized 
nations. 

His harem was provided with numbers of beautiful 
young women. Theirs were the nearest perfect forms 
and most pleasing faces that could be selected from 
his populous country. They are in charge of old and 
learned women, who employ the time of the fair maids 
in weaving. They are shut out from the world in 
clean and spacious sunlit rooms — reclining on divans, 
sitting on rugs, or stretching their fair forms in the 
sunlight, in partial body coverings after their bath, 
can be seen the young women in the harem of 
Moctheuzoma. 

The emperor has something of a taste for dress, and 
it is boasted by his subjects, that he never wears the 
same apparel the second time, nor does he wear the 
same dress^long, for he sometimes changes as often as 
four times a day. He is particular about his eatables, 
which are always served in golden dishes. His desires 
for fresli fish are gratified b}^ bringing them from the 
ocean, where iiow is located Yilla Rica de la Yer?^ 


ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO. 


99 


Cruz. They are transported b}" swift carriers in one 
day’s time. Enjoying these luxuries and surrounded 
by these circumstances is it strange that Moctheuzoma 
inwardly dishked the visit of the White Gods, who 
might attempt to overpower him and thus gain posses- 
sion of his throne ? 

Perhaps you would like to learn more fully of the 
market and the business transacted there. It was to 
me at Crst a very interesting place. The location, as I 
have before noticed, is in the principal part of the city. 
From it in every direction diverge the streets connecting 
with and crossing the many canals. I can only give 
you an imperfect idea of the size and space occupied 
by the market-place by giving an approximate number 
of the people who congregate there on the celebrated 
market days, Avhich occur every fifth day. It is prob- 
able that there are often present at the market-place 
at one time from forty to fifty thousand beings. The 
space used to exhibit wares also takes much room. It 
is a busy scene, as all present are usually busy in either 
buying, selling, or exchanging articles. 

The articles are usually paid for in gold dust, Avhich 
is carried in quills, or sometimes they are paid for in 
pieces of metal cut in a peculiar shape. The different 
articles are sold in particular stalls arranged for the pur- 
pose. Starting on the round of the stalls one sees 
many things to attract his attention. All the prov- 
inces are represented in one way or the other. In one 
stall you can see the rich tropical fruits of the east, in 
others wares of all kinds, and as you go from one stall 
to the other various articles meet your gaze, such as 
pictures, chairs, jewelry and dressed stones, wdiile all 
the owners are busy seeking buyers. 


100 w adventures of FERDINAND TOAIASSO. 

On such days as these, when the market-place is 
crowded, and competition great among the venders, 
many disputes and misunderstandings are apt to take 
place. For the preservation of peace and order, peace 
officers, dressed in robes peculiar to them and by which 
they can at once be recognized, march about and 
through the throng, quiet the disturbances when they 
can, but when unable to adjust matters they take all 
the parties concerned before the judges, where the mat- 
ters are arranged according to the existing law of the 
land. 

The White Chief thought to find the same religion 
here that he had noticed was observed among the 
tribes he had already met, but he did not know the 
extent to which it was carried, until through the 
reluctant permission of Moctheuzoraa he inspected some 
of the temples, when he saw to his horror the blood- 
stained rock, the evidences of the flow of fresh blood, 
and the almost beating hearts still smoldering in the 
fire about the altar. 

So much for the religion of the natives as far as its 
outward appearance is concerned, and yet to the few 
who have had and improved the opportunity of going 
beyond and hearing more of the doctrines of religion 
here, they have found in the secret chamber many 
things, although symbolical, to cause them to reflect 
and think of a more perfect life. 

My curiosity, as it has done many times before, led 
me to try for myself, before the White Gods came to 
this country, if I could see the mysteries that but few 
men were permitted to gaze upon, and those men only 
after they had been specially selected and examined 
b^ the priests and men in authority, and after it was 


ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO. 101 


finally arranged that I could go, the wise men informed 
me of the great honor that was about to be bestowed 
upon me, and that next in order to be permitted to 
gaze on the sacred scene, 1 must take an oath that 
I would not reveal the secrets of the chamber to the 
natives. This and many other things I did, and will 
now pass over the recording of the many formalities 
through which I passed until the time for me to behold 
arrived. 

In one of the large temples I was made ready, and 
blindfolded so closely and securel}^ that not a ray of 
light reached my eyes. Then after the mumbling of 
a sort of a prayer by one of the priests, my ears were 
filled with what appeared to be a soft, moist clay, and 
the din and noise was completely shut out, and I heard 
no more. 

With a native at my side for a guide, I was marched 
forward, backward, sideways, some of the time in 
buildings, then out of them in water conveyance, out of 
them up high elevations, then down in the cold, damp 
earth. Continual marching. They fed me, for I be- 
came hungry. I slept, and on my awakening the 
journey continued. The time dragged slowly along. 
It seemed to me that I was thus marched about for 
days. I do not know how long I was traveling before 
I arrived at the wonderful place, which was evidently 
a cave. Then the guide left me, and vvhile I was 
yet in a dark chamber and alone, the veil fell from my 
eyes, and the mufflers dropped off my ears, and in the 
distance I beheld a glimmer of light and heard a 
distant tinkling sound that was pleasant to the 
ear. 

In this direction I took myself, and after many 


102 ADVENTURES OE FERDINAND TOMASSO. 


turns found the way, until I came in full view of the 
mystery. 

Before me I beheld the beautiful way of life. The 
entire place, wherever it was, was illuminated with a 
light whose brightness vied with that of the sun in 
splendor. It was a place most awful and impressive. 
The way of life seemed to commence at a point not 
far distant from where I was standing. There before 
me I saw the panorama of existence and the action of 
those who live. I saw little human forms born into 
the world and start on the journey of life. All that 
were born, irrespective of race, color or station, grew 
and passed along the same road, some under good in- 
fluence and others under those of a base sort, until the 
way reached a point about one-sixth of the whole 
length of the road. 

At this point the way of life was divided into two 
ways, and there was stationed an angel Avho cared for 
all until they reached this point in their journe}^ of 
life. When any were ill the angel administered to 
their wants, and when any were stricken by the hand 
of death the angel bore them to the realm of eternal 
glory, for all were born in sin, and for the reason that 
their sin is not of their own fault, the guardian angel 
watches over their lives until they reach this point, 
when the way of life is divided. When this point is 
reached they are old enough and have the discretion 
and right to choose of their own accord which path to 
follow. 

Many who reached where the roads separated, 
halted and viewed the two ways, undecided which to 
choose. First at the one on the right, perhaps advance 
as if to take it, and then to the one on the left, and 
ofttimes would decide to take the latter. 


ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO. 103 

The way on the right was to the eye pleasing and 
suggestive of peace and happiness, while the one on 
the left was sparkling with alluring false diamonds 
and many other things pleasing to the eye and taste, 
one of* which was the smooth easy entrance. 

The space between the two ways became wider and 
wider as the distance increased from the self-deciding 
point. It was not inviting, for it was rough, filled 
with ravines, and void of anything to make it attrac- 
tive, and no one could from the surroundings stay 
there, but must of necessity liabit either the way to 
the right or the left. The side of this space adjacent 
to the way on the right, as well as the way itself, in- 
creases in elevation as it grows in distance from the 
starting point, and the jagged rocks and rough cliffs 
all point downward, and for these reasons it is easy to 
go down and over to the way on the left and hard to 
return to that on the right. 

Many I beheld in the right way, some moving fast, 
others slower, yet satisfied, for they beheld a light 
ahead and a crowd awaiting them as a reward. They 
did not all make the same progress, for some went 
slower and slower, and after a faint effort to resist 
would glide over the edge and go down and across to 
the way on the left and travel there until they might 
become dissatisfied, and then after an effort greater 
than the first return to the way on the right. 

At the alluring way at the left everything to tempt 
the unsatisfied traveler was present. But they were 
illusive and false, and soon failed to satisfy the thirst 
of the traveler who rushed forward in the hope of re- 
ceiving something new and stronger to divert his mind 
from the past and drown his convictions, for there was 


104 ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO. 


that born in him that told him to seek and remain in 
the right way. In the way on the left I saw thou- 
sands. Occasionally a poor traveler awoke to his con- 
dition and surroundings, made up his mind and 
decided to cross the barren, rugged space to the other 
way. In his first efforts he perhaps failed on account of 
weakness, then would try again, and if persistent would 
gain strength to cross over. Often when he returned 
to the way on the right he would proceed for a dis- 
tance without seeming difficulty, until with slight 
provocation and great ease he would again glide 
down and over to the other way, which if continued 
would engulf him deeply. And yet many there were 
who argued and sought to make themselves and others 
believe that they were in the right way, while others 
acknowledged their wrong, but said it was the fault of 
others. 

The farther the advance was made, for move- 
ment was obligatory, and no one could remain in the 
same place, the more feeble the traveler became and 
the easier it was for him to leave the way on the right 
and go down and over to that on the left, and it re- 
quired greater effort to leave the way on the left 
and go up and over the rugged cliff to that on the 
right. 

Viewing the whole scene over, and hearing the con- 
glomeration of sounds, I distinguished mild and pleas- 
ing songs of praise, words of welcome, good cheer 
and sympathy, on the right, and words most foul, and 
degrading language of dissatisfaction, and epithets 
most vile, on the left. 

Thus I saw human beings going through life, some 
with success and others with dire disappointment, some 


ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO. 105 


seeking new ways of life and others following the old. 
I saw them there continually marching along, seeming 
to me in the distance to go slower and slower until 
they reached the life line, and I could see or compre- 
hend their actions no more. Thej^ had reached my 
infinity and vanished from view. 

I watched this grand, entrancing spectacle with 
interest, for my mind was attached and absorbed by 
it. E-very thing was plain to me and I saw vividly, yet 
I cannot now record but a small portion of them, nor 
can I convey to you more than a glimmer of what 
I beheld, for I seemed to see and hear as I never did 
before. 

While I thus stood and viewed, suddenly my vision 
was again obscured and my ears remuffled, and I found 
myself much in the same condition that I was in while 
on my way here. I felt the hand of a guide on my 
arm and was marched about for a long time, and again 
I was released and found myself in the same temple 
where I was days before prepared for the sight that I 
had beheld. But I must return to the affairs of the 
soldiers. 

The hospitality of the residents had been enjoyed 
for several days by the soldiers, when their commander, 
fearing that the natives might soon tire of their presence 
and demand a further explanation of their business 
there, decided in some way to show in an unmistakable 
manner his superior power over them. He consulted 
with his officers in regard to the best manner in which 
he should act. A plan was decided on. He, with 
Marina and some officers with whom he had consulted, 
repaired to the emperor’s palace. The usual presents 
were given by Moctheuzoma, and a rather jovial con- 


106 ADVENTJJUEQ OF FERDINAND TOMASSO. 

versation indulged in, when finally he thought he saw 
a chance to forward his interests. As an excuse for 
the call he apprized the emperor of the fact that two 
of his men at Yilla Eica de la Yera Cruz had been 
murdered by some of the emperor’s subjects and asked 
that the wrongdoers be brought to the capital and 
promptly punished. 

Moctheuzoma at once complied with the request, de- 
tailed a force of men to go to the eastern province, 
procure the guilty parties and bring them before him. 
The White Chief also proposed and urged that the 
party would return with the prisoners. Moctheuzoma 
was greatly surprised that he should be asked to leave 
his temple even for a short time, for that would, he 
said, render him liable to contempt by his subjects. 
He offered one of his daughters for a wife as a com- 
promise, but he at first absolutely refused to go, or re- 
veal the secret of the location of the mines where the 
precious metal was secured, as he had been urged to 
do. 

The White Chief attempted to persuade him that he 
would simply be living in one of his own buildings if 
he would go with them, and that it would probably 
not excite the populace. Finally, one of the soldiers 
became vexed at the delay that Moctheuzoma thus 
caused in not at once deciding to go, and spoke in such 
a boisterous manner regarding the matter that Moc- 
theuzoma became frightened and said that he would 
without further hesitation go with them. His litter 
was brought at his command and he was carried out of 
his palace by his own bearers in hope that his subjects 
might not learn the true state of affairs. The street 
v:as hardly reached by the returning party with the 


ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND T0MA8S0, 107 

emperor, before the inhabitants came in great num- 
bers, filling the streets around the palace, and at the 
same time crying that their emperor was made a 
prisoner. This surprised Moctheuzoma, but he ad- 
dressed and temporarily quieted them b}" sa3dng he 
was simpl}" going to visit the White Gods. 

Arriving at the building occupied b}^ the Wliite Chief 
and his men, Moctheuzoma was permitted to choose 
his quarters to occupy while living among the soldiers. 
Much of the furniture formerly used by him at his 
palace was brought and placed at his command. His 
servants waited on him and his victuals were furnished 
and prepared much in the same manner as before. 
Soon a part of his family came to live with him. He 
was treated kindly by all the soldiers, and appeared to 
take an interest in them and their affairs. 

The natives were at first satisfied with the explana- 
tion that Moctheuzoma had given them in reference 
to his living with the soldiers, but they soon began to 
doubt that he went with them of his own accord. 
They had noticed that since the royal person had been 
living at the temple, that the White Gods maintained 
a guard of several men, which were stationed at each 
entrance, and that every person before being admitted 
was closely examined. 

Moctheuzoma was usually treated with great respect, 
except at such times as the White Chief wished to 
show his superiority. Once the White Chief caused 
him to be placed in shackles, such as those used by the 
natives, and told him that he must suffer from the im- 
plements of torture made by his own people. This 
greatly troubled Moctheuzoma, and he grieved much 
over it. The chief then removed the torture, and told 


108 ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO, 

him that he might return to his former abiding place. 
But the emperor informed them that he did not so 
desire, and that if he did his people would at once 
break out in a great war in order to avenge them for 
the wrongs heaped upon them. 

Moctheuzoma said that with difficulty he had pre- 
vented war, that his nobles had asked him to issue the 
order to exterminate the White Gods, but that through 
his persuasion tlie visitors had been spared until that 
time. Under the circumstances, he said, he could not 
return to his people, but asked leave to remain with 
them. He appeared contented for a time, and took 
great interest in the drilling of the soldiers, for he was 
once a warrior himself. 

He was fond of all the many games played by the 
people ; one in particular he often indulged in while in 
captivity. This consisted of throwing golden balls at 
a mark made of the same metal. He delighted to 
play at the game with the soldiers, often betting on 
his skill by giving some valuable piece of jewelry for 
the winner. When he lost he was contented, and 
when he won he gave the prize to some of the 
servants. 

His was a very sensitive nature. Once, when 
treated by one of the soldiers with disrespect, great 
tears rolled down his cheeks. The sight would excite 
pity in the breast of even the strongest soldier. The 
White Chief learned of the insult and sentenced the 
soldier to die, but again the kindness of Moctheu- 
zoma displayed itself in behalf of his enem}^, and in 
place of death the sentence was changed to simply that 
of a flogging. 

The mode of constructing the other two different 


ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO. 109 

causeways leading from the city was the same as that 
employed in building the causeway which was used by 
the soldiers in entering it in this that they were also 
provided with movable sections. In the event that it 
became necessary for the soldiers to leave the city, 
they at once saw that they might be prevented by the 
natives simply removing the section. The chief ob- 
tained permission from Moctheuzoma to build large 
crafts, to be of service in crossing the lake to the main- 
land. Two of these water houses were built on the 
other side of the lake and furnished with large guns, 
and when they were brought to Tenochtitlan, Moctheu- 
zoma gazed on them with admiration. 

They Avere initiated and first used in crossing 
the lake by a hunting party which consisted of the 
principal soldiers and a few others. Moctheuzoma 
Avas one of the party. He enjoyed the hunting very 
much, and succeeded in securing some game by his OAvn 
efforts, which greatly pleased him. The party returned 
Avell pleased Avith their success, and 'found the city 
quiet and much in the same condition as the}^ had 
left it. 

The idea that Moctheuzoma Avas li\dng in a state of 
captivity, rather than as a visitor, became more firmly 
estabhshed in the minds of the natives as time went 
on and the different events took place. Some of the 
chief rulers, mostly from the neighboring settlements, 
in a measure assumed control of affairs and proposed 
to treat the White Chief and his soldiers as enemies to 
their government, for they noAv thought their actions 
would justify it. 

Their purpose, however, became known to the White 
Chief ^ who inforined Moctheuzoma of the facts, Moq- 


110 ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO. 

theuzoma at once ordered the young rulers to come to 
him for consultation. Most of them did ; but one in 
particular did not do so, but returned word that if he 
did come it would be with warriors and fully prepared 
to redeem the country and city from its present con- 
dition. The disturbance was finally quieted and all 
again appeared friendly. 

Matters were not developing fast enough to suit the 
White Chief in gaining power over the natives. He 
persuaded Moctheuzoma to call his chief rulers and 
priests together and reveal to them the situation. 
This action he thought would more fully show the 
true state of matters and also aid him in liis purpose of 
securing full possession of the capital. 

He did so ; and in a talk with them, Moctheuzoma 
recalled the traditions of their fathers in regard to the 
god Quetzalcoatl and his promise to return and reclaim 
his country. He told them that the time had come 
for the god to reclaim his country, that these were the 
representatives of that god, and that the}" would now 
give the country over to them. The talk of the ruler 
was impressive, and plainly exhibited his feelings. It 
was with difficulty that he finished his talk, for he was 
ulmost overcome with grief at giving his beloved 
country and people to be ruled by another and mightier 
i)ower. The scene was characteristic of all with which 
Moctheuzoma had to do. 

How that the superior power of the White Gods 
was acknowledged by words, the White Chief asked 
that by presents of the precious metal they show their 
submission to their new rulers. Accordingly, Mocthe- 
uzoma issued the order to all his provinces. From 
every direction the command was complied with. 


AI) VE^^TURES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO. 11 1 


Gold and silver in all kinds of ornaments, and in dif- 
ferent shapes and forms, were brought to the capital 
and placed in three large heaps at the command of 
Moctheuzoma, who also added to the collection by 
giving a part of his own private propert3^ When this 
great amount of precious metal was ready for presen- 
tation, Moctheuzoma, in his kindness of spirit, said that 
he regretted that the offering was not greater. It is 
estimated that these offerings amounted to about six 
million pounds, most of which was gold. 

The soldiers had noticed the abundant supply of the 
precious metal that was used as ornaments about the 
temple with a degree of wonderment, but when the 
natives responded to the call and produced the above 
offering for the soldiers, the White Chief and his 
soldiers were greatly surprised, and decided to find 
the location of the mines, if within their power. To 
this end the chief sought an interview with Moctheu- 
zoma and then requested him to make known the 
source of the precious metals. Moctheuzoma abso- 
lutely refused to tell him where they were located. 
While Moctheuzoma Avas living Avith the soldiers he 
Avas frequently asked to locate the mines, but he stead- 
fastly refused, and never did tell them Avhere they 
were. 

The sight of this vast gift for the soldiers awakened 
in them neAV desires and hopes, and they Avere so Avell 
pleased with the presents that many OAmrestimated the 
amount of precious metal that there Avould be for each. 
First, a provision for the expenses already incuri*ed, 
Avhich had been great, Avas made. After arrangements 
had been made for these debts, the soldiers, according 
to their rank, were given their allotments. 


112 ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO. 

For the want of a proper means of accurately 
dividing the precious metal, which was in various 
shapes, great dissatisfaction prevailed among the sol- 
diers. Accusations of cheating were freely made. 
The private soldiers refused for a time to receive their 
apparently small portion, saying that it was not enough. 
In the excitement some of the soldiers began fighting 
Avith swords, but fortunately the combatants were 
quieted and peace restored. To relieve the monotony 
of their lives many of the soldiers gambled among 
themselves, and soon most of them were as poor as 
before they had received their shares of the gifts. 

Moctheuzoma and the White Chief Avere one day, 
shortly after the above event, going about the city, 
admiring its beauty and grandeur, when finally the 
White Chief told Moctheuzoma that Avith all his AAUsdom 
and superior idea of right and Avrong that he was 
surprised to see Moctheuzoma acknowledge the religion 
that was there observed and practiced, and he asked 
that one of the principal temples might be given to the 
soldiers for the observance of their religion. 

As Moctheuzoma had always conducted himself 
'heretofore Avhen approached in regard to the observed 
religion, he did at this time, and he said that he was 
satisfied Avith his gods, for they had so far brought 
them what they possessed, and that it would be foolish 
for him to change his religion noAv. As for giving one 
of the temples for worship he Avas shocked to think 
that such a request Avould be made after the many 
concessions that had already been tendered to satisfy 
the wants and give comfort to his visitors. Yet after 
much argument said he would see. 

He called a meeting of the priests and after due 


AB VENTURES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO. 113 


deliberation announced to the White Chief that they 
would give him one of their temples to use for the 
observance of their religion. The White Chief now 
instructed his priests to take possession of the temple. 
The objectionable object of heathen worship was 
removed. The bloodstained altar renovated and 
cleaned and a new coat or covering was given it. A 
cross wreathed with flowers was erected and the whole 
surroundings decorated. 

Priests arrayed in their white robe3 mingled with 
the native priests, who were persuaded to change their 
bloodstained garments for those like the ones used by 
the Christians, and all together they marched in an 
imposing manner up the side of the temple to intro- 
duce the new religion. 

Mass was celebrated, while beneath on the ground 
Avere the prostrate soldiers taking part in the holy 
ceremony. Each day thereafter the religious ceremony 
was observed there by the soldiers, while at the many 
near temples the natives continued their religious rites 
by human sacrifice. 

The arrangement, as Moctheuzoma had anticipated, 
made great discontent throughout the kingdom, and he 
was urged by his priests to use his efforts to abate the 
new mode of worship introduced by the White Gods. 
They complained so bitterly to him that he called for 
the White Chief, and when he came told him that his 
subjects would no longer submit to the present arrange- 
ment, and that the best thing that he could do for his 
soldiers would be for him to quietly vacate the city 
and go back to his own country. 

The White Chief said it Avas impossible for him to 
do so, since all the water houses at Yilla Kica de la 


114 ADVENTUliES OP FERDINAND TOMASSO. 

Yera Cruz had been destroyed. But Moctheuzoma in- 
sisted and offered to send natives to help to reconstruct 
them. The chief could refuse no longer with good 
grace, and with many of the natives furnished by 
Moctheuzoma, he detailed men to go to Villa Kica de 
la Cruz in order to construct new water houses. The 
chief did not want the fleets constructed, but ordered 
them simply to gratify the desires of Moctheuzoma. 
He quietly gave orders to his foreman to delay the 
work as long as possible. 

The progress of the work was closely watched by 
Moctheuzoma. He received, as the work advanced, 
drawings showing the stage the work was in. 
Finally, the tardy workmen had the fleet almost com- 
pleted, when Moctheuzoma, with a picture of the same 
in his hand, showed the White God that the crafts 
were finished, and urged him to prepare to leave. 

About this time the White Chief received word 
from Villa Eica de la Vera Cruz that one of his old 
enemies, who was now a contestant for the honors of 
conquering these people, had arrived from his former 
island home with a large force of soldiers, and had 
taken possession of one of the cities that he had , 
conquered and secured possession of a short time 
before. 

Moctheuzoma had also heard of this new White God 
and his supporters, and it is said that he had even re- 
ceived word from him promising to release him from 
the custody of the present White Chief if he 'would 
give him his support. After the White Chief learned 
the situation, he wrote to his adversary, saying that the 
present time was a critical period, and asked his aid in 
fully gaining control of the inhabitants and govern- 


AD VENTUR ES 0 F FEED IN A ND IDMASSO. 1 1 5 


ment of the country. But his adversary did not 
answer favorably, and he found it necessary to go and 
see him for a personal interview. 

He told Moctheuzoma of his intention of leaving his 
city for a time, but said he would return and see him 
again before he went on his long journey to his home 
over the water. Moctheuzoma was much exercised 
over the advent of the new strangers to his country, 
and asked the chief for an explanation as to who they 
were. Being pressed for an answer, the White Chief 
told him that they were a part of his race and that he 
was going to see them. He asked Moctheuzoma to re- 
main in his present location with the soldiers until he 
returned and was promised that he would. 

Selecting some of his best men — about one-fourth in 
number — the White Chief, after a touching farewell 
with Moctheuzoma, left the capital for the east, where 
he expected to meet his adversary. 

He marched out of the thriving city and over the 
causeway with an uncertain tread. ' He fully under- 
stood the situation, and the effect it would have if he 
was not successful in the combat that might follow 
with the adversary from his own country. Thus far 
in his conflict with the natives he had been victorious, 
and as he was gaining power day by day, by his 
requests and grants through Moctheuzoma, he had 
hoped soon to have entire control of the capital. But 
the coming of the adversary now rendered the thus 
far apparently glorious future uncertain. 

Through his experience with the natives — having 
always conquered — he had great faith in the power and 
ability of his few soldiers and followers to vanquish 
hi3 new foe, He had become hardened to fight and 


116 ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO. 

nothing necessary would be left undone in order to 
gain a victory. 

After the chief left the city, the inhabitants con- 
tinued to conduct themselves much in the same peace- 
able manner that they had observed while he was there. 
They respected t)ie acting general that he had left in 
charge of affairs. Their market-place again resumed 
its activity on market days, and the whole city once 
more seemed in a state of satisfaction and prosperity. 
This continued for some time after the chief left, and 
perhaps would have continued until he returned had 
it not have been for the actions of the Child of the Sun, 
in whose charge the soldiers were left. 

The natives asked and obtained permission to cele- 
brate a feast of one of their gods. All the necessary 
preparations were made, flowers brought, and the 
participants arrayed in their finest linens. The 
maidens were dressed and decorated with loose-fitting 
skirts hanging low from their necks, large rings hung 
from their ears, and costly ornaments of gold en- 
circled their plump arms. Each participant was pro- 
vided with a wreath of flowers. The warriors were 
habited in short frocks of purple, gird with broad belts 
studded with precious stones. On their heads they 
wore metal helmets, and carried in their hands short 
daggers, which they clashed every now and then against 
their targets. 

The low solemn noise from the musical instruments 
gave notice to those who were to participate in the 
dance. They were standing in groups, within -the in- 
closure, chatting quietly among themselves. The sun 
shining on their rare jewels caused them to sparkle 
and throw back the rays in a thousand directions. 


ADVENTUnii^S OF FFRDINAND T0MAS80. 117 

Their worth and splendor was thus magnified and the 
onlooking sol liers were tempted to gain possession of 
them. 

At the sound of the music, all the natives present 
engaged in the dance; rapidlj^- changing positions, they 
flitted from one part of the enclosure to the other, all 
going through the same motions, but at different times. 
They moved with much grace, performing in quick 
time and close order various intricate figures with a 
great display of strength and agility. The Child of 
the Sun and most of his soldiers were present, some 
leaning on the gateway and others mingling in the 
ga}" throng. The festivities had hardly commenced 
before the scene was changed from that of gayety to 
that of horror. 

The Child of the Sun, after he had given a signal to 
his soldiers, as previously arranged, ordered them to 
battle. The soldiers rushed on the inoffensive and un- 
protected worshippers, pounding and cutting them to 
the right and left. But few were spared. They offered 
no resistance, but in their flight some made an attempt 
to scale the wall, but were not successful in so doing. 
They fell in heaps and piled one over the other. Amid 
the groans of the wounded, and while they were being 
robbed of their life blood, which was running away in 
little rivers over the smooth, hard surface, they were 
also being robbed of their jewelry by the soldiers. 

This unauthorized butchery disturbed the heretofore 
existing tranquillity, and created in the minds of the 
natives a desire for revenge. The transaction caused 
a complete change in their actions toward the White 
Gods. The Child of the Sun was quick to see that he 
had made a mistake in the efforts to gratify the desire 


118 ADVENTaUES OE FERDINAND T0MA8S0. 


of the soldiers, and that perhaps he also had been too 
ambitious to have a favorable report for the White 
Chief when he returned. 

The residents showed their dislike and indignance, 
which was caused by this action, by secreting them- 
selves at first, and afterward by an attack on the 
temple where thb Child of the Sun and his soldiers 
were located. They had burned the only two water 
houses that the soldiers had there, and the Child of the 
Sun now began to fear their vengeance. He sent 
word of his fear to the White Chief, who hastened on 
his return to Tenochtitlan. 


FIFTH LETTER 

PART SECOND. 

The White Chief and his soldiers had journeyed 
directly to the Tlascalans, who were friendly to them, 
after leaving Tenochtitlan, and on the way they saw 
many a familiar cross that they had erected on their 
journey to Tenochtitlan some months before. 

Arriving in Tlascala he soon reinforced his army 
with many Tlascalans ready and willing to go at his 
command against the White Chiefs adversary. The 
new warriors were provided with spears which were 
made an extra length and size, and provided with keen 
edges, especially for that occasion. 

His white adversary was not altogether ignorant of 
his intention, for he had placed guards at prominent 
places and received some intelligence in regard to his 


ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO. 119 


actions. His information was not equal to that of the 
White Chief, since the friendly Tlascalans made ever}^- 
thing known to him, and the location and surround- 
ings of the adversary were fully noted. In preparing 
for the attack, the White Chief talked with the soldiers, 
as was his custom on such occasions, and enthused 
them with the idea that they would, beyond a doubt, 
prevail and become victorious. This was half the bat- 
tle, for what man can enter upon an undertaking, and 
succeed in the same, unless he has'great faith in his own 
ability so to do. 

The advance by the chief was made on his opponent 
during the nighttime. Soon his enemy was partially 
aroused to the situation. Using his power as if deal- 
ing with the natives, the White Chief bravely marched 
his men against, over and through the enemy’s forces. 
He set fire to the house to which his commanding ad- 
versary fled for protection, and when his opponent 
made an effort to escape from the burning structure, 
took him prisoner. The whole transaction took place 
in such a short space of time, that although the success 
was complete on the part of the chief, but few lives 
were lost. 

His adversary at once surrendered all his forces and 
implements of war to him and acknowledged him as 
his commander for the future. The enemy had forces 
stationed at various cities over the country, which, 
learning the facts in regard to their commander’s sur- 
render, came and joined the White Chief in his 
project. By this the chief not only relieved himself 
of an enemy, but also gained forces which consisted of 
many new and strong soldiers and several implements 
of war that would greatly aid him in his design of 
conquering the natives at Tenochtitlan. 


120 ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO, 

It will readily be admitted that the above narration, 
wherein the White Chief, with a small force of mostly 
inexperienced natives, succeeded in a few hours in tak- 
ing an army many times as great, and which was su])- 
plied with better implements of war and all that miglit 
ordinarily be sufficient to defend themselves, might, 
without further explanation, be deemed a story of 
imagination. 

The proper explanation is, probabl}^^, that the White 
Chief before that time had supplied the allies of his 
enemy with gold and fine presents, and by so doing 
gained their confidence, and they were prompted to 
refuse to act at the critical time of the attack. The 
night was alsoa very stormy one. Eain fell in torrents, 
and it w'as during the fiercest of the storm that the at- 
tack was made, the time of all others the least 
expected. 

'No time was to be lost in this part of the country 
after the victory, for the White Chief had learned 
something of the trouble at the capital, and now 
started with his new recruits to Tenochtitlan. During* 

o 

the first part of the return journey, he and his army 
were treated, at all the towns and villages througli 
which they passed, with great kindness and hospitalitv, 
but as they approached the city of Tenochtitlan, how- 
ever, they noticed a change in the treatment to that 
they had been accustomed to. The nearer they drew 
to the capital the more they noticed this, up to and 
until they reached the causeway leading to the citv. 

The chief was disappointed in not finding the 
soldiers and some of the natives there to greet and 
welcome his return to the city. The little water 
houses had disappeared from the lake, and the whole 


ADVENTJJRES OF FEltDtNAND T0MA88(K 121 


' city was silent, and nothing was to be heard except the 
noise and echo that was made by the marching army 
moving over the causeway. The chief asked himself 
the cause of this. He had learned something of the 
trouble that the Child of the Sun had created, but 
nothing sufficient to justify the present apparent con- 
dition of affairs. Certainly his must have been an im- 
perfect report. He soon found this to be the case, and 
when the true state of affairs were made known to 
him he severely reprimanded the Child of the Sun 
for his actions, and without delay prepared to protect 
the army. 

He did not return too soon. It was fortunate he 
came when he did, for the natives were only waiting 
for a favorable time to commence the battle and rid 
their city of the objectionable White Gods, if possible. 
The city in fact was not deserted, as it appeared to the 
chief at first, but the residents were in hiding and 
quietly preparing for battle. 

The chief, with the new forces, joined those that he 
had left in the temple given by Moctheuzoma when they 
first entered the city. This structure consisted of a 
main building, which is in reality a succession of build- 
ings, with an open space around it, and the whole pro- 
tected by a strong wall. Moctheuzoma refused to 
greet the chief upon his return. His attitude toward 
all the White Gods was changed by reason of the many 
insults rendered to him and his people. He had for- 
given many unkind acts, but the wrongs of the Child of 
the Sun he was loath to condone. 

Immediately upon his return, and before the chief 
and his soldiers had time to rest from the fatigue of 
the journey, the apparently lifeless city changed, in an 


122 ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND T0MAS80, 


instant, to a mass of excited, mad, and almost crazy 
human beings. Through the openings in the walls the 
soldiers beheld the natives crowding together in the 
outer court. At once the excited mob commenced 
their siege. Some of the natives threw stones over the 
wall, hitting the soldiers, while others threw heated 
arrows, some of which were hot enough and did set fire 
to a part of the temple. The soldiers now became 
alarmed and with difficulty prevented the fire from 
spreading. 

So far, the damage done to the soldiers was slight, 
and only tended to annoy them, until a part of the 
natives, who were trained in the use of the sling, 
mounted to the tops of the surrounding buildings and 
threw heavy stones down over the wall on the unpro- 
tected soldiers. Man}^ of the stones were large and 
they were propelled with such force as to fell many of 
the victims to the ground. Night coming on the siege 
temporarily abated. 

The White Chief prepared for the morrow by a talk 
with his soldiers, in which he sought to inspire them 
with confidence, and he also gave orders to repair tlieir 
broken implements of war. 

Early next morning these soldiers were up and pre- 
pared for the expected fray. Soon as it was liglit 
enough to see, the}^ looked through the crevices in the 
wall, down the broad and beautiful roadway, and there 
in the gray of the morning beheld their enemies form- 
ing for battle. 

The chief ordered the gates thrown open. The men 
on horseback were in front, while the soldiers on foot 
and the Tlascalan recruits followed. No sooner was the 
army outside of the temple when a shrill whistle was 
sounded by the enemy. 


ADVF.Nf TIRES OF FERDINAND TOMAbSO. 12 :^ 

Immediately at the command of the whistle came 
forth thousands of chiefs and warriors prepared for 
battle. In the early morning they presented a beauti- 
ful spectacle, as they appeared and hurriedly formed 
in groups, exhibiting some previous training. Those 
forming each group were arrayed in the same manner, 
and the different groups showed their standing or 
authority by their apparel. The costumes of some of 
the groups were beautiful. They were dressed in a 
manner giving the body ease and protection, and some 
of the natives were provided with metal shields. 

From the houses, streets, alleys and little water 
houses came the men for battle, until the streets were 
crowded, and they formed one solid mass of natives, 
each one provided with polished war implements now 
glistening in the early sunlight. 

The chief ordered the heavy guns discharged. The 
effect was to clear the streets for a short time, but they 
were soon again filled, and the chief charged among 
them with his horsemen, riding recklessly through and 
over the closely packed mass of natives, with his army 
following, dealing deathblows on every hand. In the 
excitement the natives caught the horses by the legs or 
pulled a luckless rider from his horse and bore him 
away in triumph for sacrifice. 

Not alone from the streets came opposition to the 
soldiers, but from the housetops also, for thousands of 
the natives were stationed there, throwing stones from 
their slings and greatly hindering the progress of the 
soldiers. Advances and retreats were made by both 
armies, but always with a degree of success in favor of 
the White Gods. The soldiers now commenced the 
destruction of the buildings by setting fire to them. 
But for the reason that the houses were for the greater 


124 ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND T0MA8S0, 

part constructed of stone, and were often disconnected 
by canals, this mode of taking the city was slow. 
However, through the efforts of most of the soldiers a 
great section of the city was in this way destro^^ed. 
As the day closed the soldiers returned to the temple, 
while the natives continued to follow and fight the 
soldiers in the rear. 

After darkness had set in, the warriors gathered 
around the open space surrounding the temple where 
the soldiers were housed and declared their intentions 
in reofard to the soldiers in terms loud enouo^h for them 
to hear. They exhibited great confidence in their 
ability to conquer the White Gods, by telling them 
that their bodies would finally be offered up in sacri- 
fice, that they had but a short time to live, and that 
their caged wild animals were thirsty for their blood. 

They remained around the temple, and when the 
next day came, renewed their attack by battering the 
walls and throwing stones over among the soldiers. 
Some of them even climbed up on the top of the wall 
in their attempt to get inside. Most of these were 
killed by the soldiers as soon as their heads appeared 
above the stone wall, but a few succeeded in reaching 
the inner court without injury. These, of course, were 
at once taken prisoners. 

During the hostilities, Moctheuzoma was asked to 
communicate with his people and make an effort to 
enthuse them with confidence in the White Gods and 
their purposes. He replied that it would be of no use, 
for the grievances which he enumerated were so many 
and great that they had lost their faith in the alleged 
purposes of the White Gods and that they would not 
be pacified. After much urging he finally consented 
to communicate to them in an address. 


ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO. 125 


He was beautifully arrayed for the occasion in his 
best apparel and mounted to the top of the temple. 
Beneath him and over the walls he saw many familiar 
faces of former close friends that he had not seen since 
his captivity. He spoke to them of the virtues of the 
visitors in an earnest manner. He made an effort to 
have his subjects understand that he remained among 
the White Gods as a visitor and not as a prisoner, and 
that the White Gods maintained the best of intentions 
toward them. 

Close attention was given to the first part of his 
speech to them, but as he continued his subjects showed 
great discontent with his views and actions by loud 
groans, and while he was speaking, still proud of his 
great people, a shower of arrows and stones were 
hurled at him. Several missiles hit him, but a blow 
from a stone which struck him on the head completely 
paralyzed him, and he thus fell a victim of the wrath 
of his own subjects. 

His wounds were cared for by the soldiers, but the 
once proud emperor tore the bandages from his head 
and refused to receive treatment or to be comforted. 
It was to the sympathizing person a sad sight to see 
him, day after day, remaining apart with downcast 
eyes, reflecting over his past life. As time went on he 
became weaker, and each day more clearly revealed 
the fact that he would live but a short time. He re- 
fused medical aid, and rejected the spiritual advice 
and consolation offered by the priests. Pain and sor- 
row accomplished their ends and Moctheuzoma was 
no more. 

Standing over the body that a short time before 
ruled this rich country, one of his subjects said ; “ Sleep 


126 ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO. 


peacefully, body of Moctheuzoma. Thy life was spent 
in efforts to please others. For thyself thou didst not 
care. If thou hast made a failure, it was because of 
the spirit of right within thy bosom. In thy lifetime 
bravery was thine. Success in battle followed thee, 
and to thy people thou hast been a just ruler. During 
thy reign prosperity was given to your subjects, and 
from the hands of those benefited thus came the blow 
that cost thee thy life. May the life so well lived by 
you live ever as an example to those of thy race that 
still exist.” 

It is said by the natives that for many days before 
Moctheuzoma met his death many of the animals used 
for sacrifice were found to have something the matter 
with them. They were deformed in various ways. 
Some had no hearts, others no livers, and still others 
were lame and crippled. It is also said that the fruit 
did not ripen properly, that the various ponds of water 
dried up to a certain extent, in consequence of which 
many fish died and could be seen floating on the water. 
It is also said that one of the priests had a dream in 
which he thought he was a murderer and for such 
murder he was hanged. These and many other things 
of equal importance and singularity are said to have 
occurred, which gave the natives warning of that which 
was to follow. 

The fighting continued after the death of the em- 
peror at intervals, and greatly annoyed the A'7hite 
Cnief and his army. One of the principal strongholds 
ol the enemy seemed to be that of the temple near by. 
It was decided best to destroy it without delay. 

The structure, if it might be so termed, covered a 
great surface and the height was several stories, The 


ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO. 12 ? 


top was reached hy a stairway on the outside. Each 
flight reached a story and they were placed slanting, 
one directly above the other, so that in going to the 
top it was necessary to go completely around the 
structure as many times as there were stories. 

The temple was surrounded by a smooth court, which 
was, when the soldiers entered, fllled with worshippers. 
When the army entered, a part of the natives started 
to the top of the temple where the altar and false god 
were placed. Without delay the chief selected a few 
strong soldiers and proceeded to mount the steps toward 
the altar, while the rest of the soldiers were engaged 
in fighting the remaining natives in the yard below. 

The chiefs ascent up the stairs was slow, for he met 
with resistance on every hand. With the fire on the 
altar at the top the natives heated their spears and 
threw them at the ascending enemy. Burning wood 
and heated stones were hurled against them, but still 
the soldiers advanced and gained the great flat space 
on top. Here the combat thickened by pounding each 
other — right and left the natives and soldiers fought. 
The chief saw that some of his brave men were pushed 
over the unprotected edge to be dashed to death below. 

The destruction of life on that smooth floor far above 
the city was great, while below in the courtyard the 
fighting continued unabated until all eyes were turned 
to the altar above, as if by agreement, to see the out- 
come of that unparalleled fight far above the ground. 
There the chief was grasped by two stout warriors, 
who were making great efforts to pull him to the edge 
of the structure for the purpose of throwing him over. 
They were close to the slippery unprotected edge when 
the chief, by a quick, forcible movement, wrenched 


128 ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO. 

himself from their grasp and at the same time pushed 
them, one to the right and the other to the left, over the 
edge, to be crushed below. 

As soon as this was accomplished the victor de- 
scended and ordered the temple destroyed. The false 
god was torn from its fastening and sent hurling down 
the stairs. The temple was set on fire and entirely 
destroyed. In other parts of the city numberless 
houses were also destroyed on the same day. I will 
continue in this connection in another communication. 

Truly, your old schoolmate, 

Ferdinand Tomasso. 
To Charles Lewis, London, England. 


ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND T0MAS80. 129 


SIXTH LETTER 

Dear Sir: Up to the time of my last letter the 
White Gods had been victorious in almost all of their 
combats in the city. They had destroyed thousands of 
their enemies, but during the first part of the engage- 
ments more than as many more came to take the 
places of those that were killed. The soldiers were 
becoming sick, and some of their number had already 
died. After carefully considering the circumstances 
and surroundings, the soldiers thought it best and 
finally decided to leave the city, and for this purpose 
they concluded to select a different causeway from 
that they had used in entering the city. The direction 
the army should take was decided on after a short 
deliberation and hurried preparations had to be made 
in order to leave at the time selected. 

It was found impossible to take all the gold and 
silver with them, for the quantity, as you will remember 
was great. It was decided by the officers in command 
to let the soldiers use their own discretion as to the 
amount they should take, and select what they might 
from the great quantity. They were warned not to 
overload themselves, in view of the journej^ they were 
to take, but their greediness prompted many to secure 
more than they could with safety march with, which 
in many cases proved disastrous. 


130 ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO, 


At that time the soldiers did not expect to find an 
unobstructed passageway to the mainland, but rather 
thought to experience some difficulty, and partially 
prepared to overcome it by preparing movable bridges, 
fur they had for some time past found it necessary to 
use these where the stone structures over the canals 
had been purposely destroyed by the natives. 

About the midnight hour, when the bells from the 
temples rang out on the fogg}^ air that hung like a 
guardian angel about the city, the soldiers quietly 
marched forth from their quarters. The White Chief 
took his position at the head of his army, directing 
the way, while his brave and trusted officer, the Child 
of the Sun, was to follow in charge of the rear 
portion. 

Occasionally they were detained in the dark, rainy 
night, for sufficient time to repair breaks in the bridges, 
but altogether they were progressing rapidly and 
•greatly to their satisfaction, until the entrance to the 
causeway was almost reached. There they were 
noticed by some of the watchful residents, who gave 
the alarm to the priests, who in turn notified the pop- 
ulace by a sound that could be heard for a league ring- 
ing out from the tops of the temples. 

As if by magic the streets filled with the fighting 
natives. In comparatively a short time the canals and 
lakes around the causeway swarmed with the little 
water houses. Men, women and children came to par- 
ticipate in the long-expected battle. From the walls 
of the houses and from the streets came clouds of 
arrows and stones down upon the White Gods, who 
suffered greatly from this unexpected attack. Forms 
climbed up from the water crafts on to the causeway 


ADVENTURES OF FEUD IN AND TOMASSO. 131 


and fought the soldiers. Women with heavy clubs 
stationed themselves along the causeway and struck to 
the ground unlucky soldiers who chanced in the dark- 
ness to get too near them. 

One woman, stout, tall and particularly well-formed, 
stood on a place raised a little above the surrounding, 
and while her loose cloak and hair were wildly flying 
in the wind, she wielded a club so dexterously and 
effectively that the dead and wounded were in a short 
space of time piled high around her body, so that her 
form above the waist only could be seen. 

Under this strong fight the White Gods progressed 
slowly. The advanced forces were now approaching 
near a great and unexpected opening in the causeway, 
which had been intentionally made by the natives. The 
soldiers halted for deliberation, and while thus engaged 
their enemies again issued the deathly fighting signal, 
and commenced the attack with renewed vigor. The 
almost panic-stricken White Gods who were near the 
breach urged their steeds from the causeway down 
into the lake. The following forces rushed and fell 
into the lake after them in such a confused manner 
that the gap was soon bridged by the debris and 
horses piled from the bottom of the lake, and over this 
tlie balance of the army passed to the other portion 
of the causeway. 

They did not proceed far, however, until they again 
reached another opening, wider than the preceding. 
The horses and men at once jumped from the cause- 
way into the lake, which now was almost covered in 
this vicinity with swimming horses and struggling 
men. The soldiers endeavored to avoid the natives in 
their water houses, for they feared death at the stone 
of sacrifice should they be captured. 


132 ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO. 


An advancing storm now overtook them. The rain 
fell in torrents, and by occasional flashes of lightning 
the situation was partially revealed. All the soldiers 
were at this time off of the causeway, except the 
brave Child of the Sun, who was faithful to his com- 
mand, and had devoted his attention to the protection 
of the army from the rear attack through the whole 
journey. 

There on the brink of the wide opening in the cause- 
way, alone and with no means of defense or to escape, 
lie stood. It was, however, but for a moment, for he 
hastily decided what he would do. Seizing from a 
native a long pole, he retreated a short distance, then 
running placed one end of the pole in the lake, vaulted 
high in the air while the lightning flashed, and safely 
landed on the other side of the wide breach, amid the 
cries of the natives who had recognized him and looked 
for some great feat. The opening was so wide that 
under ordinary circumstances such a feat would have 
been considered impossible. 

Streaks of light in the east, for the storm had abated, 
now foretold the coming of day. Those of the soldiers 
who were able to get to the shore went a short dis- 
tance from the edge of the lake and camped. They 
were suffering greatly from body injuries and had lost 
many of their implements of warfare. It is difficult to 
accurately estimate the number of soldiers that were 
killed, but the number was small in comparison to 
those lost by the natives. It is said that the lake in 
the vicinity of the causeway where the battle took 
place was red with blood for days after the conflict. 

Now that the city was rid of the objectionable White 
Gods, the attention of the natives was given to the care 


ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND T0MAS80. 133 

of the wounded and the removal of the dead bodies 
from the streets of Tenochtitlan, where they lay in 
heaps as they had fallen in battle. The streets were 
cleaned, the passageways repaired, and a part of the 
burned houses rebuilt. But amid the hurry of rebuild- 
ing time enough was found to celebrate the occasional 
sacrifice of some of the captured W bite Gods. 

Upon the death of Moctheuzoma, a relative of his 
by the name of Cuitlahua, as is the custom in this 
country, had become emperor. He had always shown 
a dislike to the White Gods. It was he who directed 
the native forces in the battle which proved so disas- 
trous to the soldiers on the memorable night that they 
left the city. His purpose was now to strengthen the 
confidence of his friendly subjects, and win the help of 
those who had heretofore favored the White Gods. 

He secured great quantities of the finest clothes and 
jewelry that the country now possessed, which he sent to 
the Tlascalans, by some of his trusted warriors, and at 
the same time requested to follow his command and re- 
fuse to aid the White Gods further. This treatment 
was so different from that which the Tlascalans had 
heretofore received from their chief ruler that they 
concluded to give the request consideration. 

The chief priests and rulers were called together in 
council and the request of the great ruler at Tenoch- 
titlan made known to them. Some favored the grant- 
ing of the same. The arguments both for and against 
it were long and spirited, but finally it was decided to 
refuse the request and continue to serve the White 
Gods. The news that the carriers brought back 
greatly displeased Cuitlahua, but he continued gaining 
allies in the provinces where he had more power. 


134 ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND T0MAS80. 

The White Gods had marched forward and were 
now in Tlascala, resting from their long journey from 
Tenochtitlan, which was made longer and more 
dangerous by reason of the many encounters they had 
suffered on the way. On every hand they found the 
enemy waiting for them and ready to impede their 
travel. When they marched along the foot of the 
hills the enemy would appear on the hillside and roll 
great rocks down upon them. At other times they 
suffered from countless arrows directed at them, and 
stones from their slings did much damage. They 
also suffered greatly from lack of food, and gladly de- 
voured such of their horses as it became necessary to 
kill. 

Slowly the sick, disabled and hungry soldiers moved 
along. Often in the distance they beheld the dark 
lines of the enemy moving forward, ready at any 
moment to engage them in battle. This continuous 
battle on the march lasted many days, when from the 
appearance of great numbers of the enemy in the 
distance, the White Gods concluded that they would be 
forced to meet their enemy openly and that it would 
require a desperate effort to overcome them. Such 
was the case. 

The natives had gathered from the adjoining country 
to the number of probably two hundred thousand. 
The little hills where they were gathered appeared to 
be completely covered with them. Ketreat by the 
White Gods was now impossible, and they must meet 
this vast number in a battle, which would probably be 
a decisive one. 

Their commander talked to the soldiers, enumerating 
their successful encounters, and gave them instructions 


ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND T0MA8S0. 135 

to use all means within their power to become victo- 
rious in the battle that evidently would follow. In- 
wardly the commander feared the result. The time 
for deliberation was short. Forward rushed the 
natives and completely surrounded the White Gods, 
who were mostly armed with rude spears. For a time 
their fate seemed sealed, then with a mad rush they 
rallied on the natives, knocking and pushing them right 
and left with so much vigor and determination that 
their enemies became panic-stricken and in their ex- 
citement did as much damage to their fellow-men as 
to their enemies. The White Gods directed their 
horses against the chief natives in command, who, 
soon being taken prisoners, rendered their forces un- 
controllable, and the natives fled panic-stricken in all 
directions. 

This action took place near the border of the 
Tlascalan country. Shortly after their victory the 
soldiers mounted the wall, which denoted to them that 
they were now safe among friends. They were given 
a welcome by the Tlascalans, who, as soon as they 
learned of their coming, sent carriers to aid them. In 
Tlascala they devoted their time to rest, and the treat- 
ment of their many wounds, some of which were re- 
ceived on the night, never by them to be forgotten, 
that they had left the city of Tenochtitlan. 

The leader of the White Gods, though a strong man, 
became very sick, and for many days his life was un- 
certain. During his sickness Marina was constantly 
at his side, only sleeping when overcome by fatigue. 
Under her care he gradually grew better, and Anally 
became strong again. When he fully recovered he 
found the soldiers rested, their wounds healed, and that 
they were again ready for battle if necessary. 


136 ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO. 


Thus recuperated, and the army strengthened by 
many new Tlascalans, the chief marched through the 
surrounding country, conquering the enemies of the 
Tlascalans. Each victory added to his forces. The war 
was carried on until all the surrounding country was 
subjected to his rule, and the inhabitants proclaimed 
themselves subjects of the White Gods. 

With victory exhibited by the addition to the army 
of many natives, and also by the gold secured from 
the conquered, the White Gods now returned from 
their expeditions to Tlascala. Here they were met by 
their friends and given the highest honors that they 
could bestow upon a conquering army. The city was 
decorated with flowers. The soldiers were met with- 
out the gates and escorted into the city with pomp. 
Proud of their friends, the Tlascalans left nothing 
undone to gratify the desires and please the White 
Gods. 

The original purpose of Malintzin to conquer the 
people and secure the absolute control of their coun- 
try and capital, Tenochtitlan, was never by him for- 
gotten. How, he and his soldiers were more confident 
of their ability and power than they had been at any 
time heretofore. They had the experience of their 
former encounter at Tenochtitlan, and well knew the 
way in which to meet their enemy successfully. The 
sad experience on the causeway when the army last left, 
taught them to no longer depend on this means of 
flight if it became necessary to leave. 

Several water houses were ordered constructed at 
Tlascala. They were to be constructed in sections 
that they might be carried, when completed, by the 
Tlascalans, to the lake surrounding Tenochtitlan, there 


ADVENTURES OE FERDINAND TOMASSO. 137 

to be used in crossing the lake to the capital. This of 
itself was a great undertaking. 

The mending of th^ implements of war, and the 
making of new ones, employed the attention of the 
soldiers for some time. All preparations were finally 
completed, and after a farewell with the friendly 
Tlascalans, who regretted that they all could not ac- 
company the soldiers, the army marched out of the 
city on the same mission that they had entered on, 
months before. 

You are not to understand that I left Tenochtitlan 
with the White Gods, for I remained in the city. 
From the fact that all the priests and men of authority 
knew me intimately before the hostile White Gods 
ever came, and also that during the many fights 
between the natives and the White Gods I had refused 
to take part, I was permitted to remain in the city, 
and was treated with the greatest consideration. Many 
months have passed since the White Gods left, and 
many changes have taken place. It was some time 
before Cuitlahua gained the confidence of his people, 
and repaired the city from its dilapidated condition. 

The work was hardly completed when the govern- 
ment received another severe blow in the death of their 
emperor. He was sick but a short time when death 
claimed him. The disease was one that the writer had 
noticed in the hospital when he was a medical student. 
It asserts itself by eruptions in various places over the 
entire body. It is a new disease to the natives, and 
it is probable that it was brought here by some of the 
soldiers. 

Again another ruler was selected. This time a 
young man. Quauhtemotzin is about twenty-five years 


138 ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO. 


old, but possesses in many things the ability of one 
twice his age. Immediately ugon his selection he in- 
stituted new rules for his warriors. Athletics were 
observed and games played that his warriors might 
gain strength and skill in the use of all the implements of 
war known to them. Prizes were also offered for the 
capture of any of the White Gods. The work of 
strengthening his forces from the outlying districts, 
cities and towns, was also looked after with much care, 
for the ruler and his subjects reasoned that it would 
be but a short time until the enemies would again re- 
turn to the capital. 

The movements of the White Gods from the time 
they left the capital were watched and every feature 
of their exploits recorded by the ruler. When the 
White Gods were sick and disabled, retreating toward 
Tlascala, the then ruler had hoped his people would be 
successful in taking all of them prisoners, to be used as 
a sacrifice, but they had not, for the last encounter had, 
as we have seen, proved disastrous to his subjects. 

By the pictures from Tlascala, made by his special 
carriers, the ruler noted the great number of water 
houses there in the course of construction, designed to 
be used against him, yet he hoped that the design of 
bringing them to the capital would fail. 

Meantime, the White Gods came and secured posses- 
sion of a city which is located but a short distance 
from this. No resistance was offered, for when the 
ruler of that city saw the soldiers approaching he fled 
and went to the capital for protection. 

The White Gods raided many of the near settle- 
ments, always overpowering their enemies, until many 
of the tribes through fear declared themselves as 


ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND T0MA880. 139 

friends to the soldiers and asked protection from them 
against the wrath of their own people. 

In one of their encounters, however, many of the 
soldiers narrowly escaped with their lives. It hap- 
pened in this wise. There was a large city near the 
one they had possession of, which was built on the 
edge of the lakes. Most of the houses were placed on 
timbers driven in the water and sand endwise, thus 
supporting the buildings some distance above the 
water. The soldiers marched against the city in 
battle array, and expected to conquer it as easily as the 
many others they had attacked, but were surprised 
when they were met by the natives in one of the most 
hotly contested battles that they had yet experienced. 
The fighting was carried on in the water, in, under and 
around the houses, and the natives, finding it impossible 
to protect their property, for many of the houses were 
set on fire by the soldiers, fled from the city. 

As the city was rich with gold and costly ornaments, 
the soldiers consumed much time in securing all that 
they could carry before they started on their return to 
the shore. It was some distance to the land and the 
soldiers noticed that the water seemed to be getting 
deeper as they marched toward the shore, but did not 
even imagine the true state of affairs in this con- 
nection. 

The adjoining lake is somewhat higher than the ono 
of which I write and is separated only by a narrow 
neck of land. As soon as the natives found it neces- 
sary to leave the city to save their lives, they went to 
the shore, set to work, and in a short time connected 
the lakes by digging a ditch, and by reason of which 
the water rushed in from the adjoining lakes and 


140 ADVENT URtlS ON FERDINAND TOMASSO, 


quickly raised the water around the soldiers, who now, 
thoroughly frightened, began to realize their danger. 
In their endeavors to escape, they were compelled to 
throw away the gold which they had captured and had 
now become a burden to them. As the water rushed 
in the current became swift, and it was with difficulty 
that most of the White Gods reached the land. Their 
clothing was thoroughly soaked with water, and their 
Tlascalan allies were less fortunate, for many of them 
were carried away by the strong current. 

Thus, after victory over the natives by slaying thou- 
sands and putting the balance to flight, the White 
Gods marched back to their camps in a dilapidated 
condition, and with but little of the coveted gold, 
yet they were thankful that they were not all drowned. 

There were many battles fought by the White Gods 
after they left the city on the memorable night and 
before they returned, of which I have not written, be- 
cause the knowledge that I obtained from the soldiers 
was so meager that I cannot report them intelligently, 
so have left them out altogether. There was another 
engagement, however, of which I have a partial 
description and is worthy of note, and tends to illus- 
trate the daring feats attempted by the soldiers. At 
the time this occurred, their way was through a rough 
and mountainous countr3\ 

It was learned that a prosperous people inhabited a 
portion of the country near where the men were 
camped, and the White Gods prepared to visit and 
conquer them. They marched to the edge of this 
country, but found it separated from the adjoining by 
an opening or ravine so deep and dark that the bottom 
could not be seen. Trees leaning toward each other 


ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO. 141 

covered the sides of the ravines, and their tops were so 
near that when the wind blew the limbs touched. 

The most daring of the soldiers at once compre- 
hended the situation, and were not to be deterred 
from their purpose by this obstacle. They climbed 
the slanting trees to the top, and when the wind blew 
the trees on the opposite side of the chasm, and the}^ 
came near enough, the soldiers caught their branches 
and swung safely over and landed on the other side. 
But ail of the army were not as successful as the first 
part. Some of them lost their hold, and in other cases 
limbs broke and they went crashing out of sight in the 
abyss below. Many of the awkward Tlascalans lost 
their lives in this way. 

The much-dreaded water houses that Quauhtemotzin 
had seen pictured and heard of, that were in course of 
construction at Tlascala, were now completed and 
brought by a great army of Tlascalan bearers to our 
neighboring city, where the soldiers had been for some 
time located. They were brought by the carriers, as 
was first arranged, in pieces, and it is said that the 
body of Tlascalans required in bringing them hither 
was so great that it required one-fourth of a day’s 
time for the last part of the continuous line of 
Tlascalans to reach the city after the first part had 
arrived. 

Truly, your old schoolmate, 

Ferdinand Tomasso. 

To Charles Lewis, London, England. 


142 ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO. 


SEVENTH LETTER 

Dear Sir : The water houses previously noticed 
were not brought directly to Tenochtitlan, but to a 
city some distance from here, for fear that the natives 
might interfere with the placing together and launch- 
ing of the same on the lake. While the White Gods 
were engaged in the many expeditions against the 
natives in the surrounding cities, they also employed a 
large force of Tlascalans in digging a trench or canal 
from the city where the water houses were to be 
launched to the lake surrounding the capital. This 
consumed much time, for in many places the canal Was 
made deep for the reason that the ground was uneven, 
and a part of the way was cut through solid rock. 
Finally the trench was finished, the water let in, and 
the water houses placed together and launched ; this 
and many other circumstances led Quauhtemotzin to 
believe that the time was not far removed when the 
White Gods would again make an effort to enter the 
capital. 

As was written to you in a former letter respecting 
this city, the water for personal use was furnished from 
a clear spring at a high elevation from beyond the 
lake, and conducted here through an aqueduct built 
of stone and clay. It was strongly built, and repre- 
sented, in a measure, the skill and possibilities of this 


ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO. 143 


people in this direction. The first movement the 
soldiers made after coming to the lake was to destroy 
this water way. The natives, knowing full well the 
danger they would be in without this, had sallied 
forth to protect it. But it was of no use ; the structure 
was broken and the water supply from this source 
entirely cut off. 

The city was now crowded with natives from out- 
lying cities. They came partly to protect their capi- 
tal, and partly for safety to themselves. The demand 
for food taxed the source of supply to its utmost, for 
many of those who had been engaged in bringing the 
necessaries of life to the capital were now sojourning 
there for protection. 

Finally the White Gods divided their forces into 
three divisions, and made an effort to enter the city at 
as many different places. They used their water 
houses to good advantage, but their progress after they 
landed was slow. The division led by the White Chief 
experienced many hinderances to its passage into the 
city, and at every instance its right to advance was 
disputed. On the causeways the natives flocked, and 
from their little water houses all joined in hurling 
rocks and arrows at their adversaries. 

When the White Gods landed they suffered much 
from the forces in the streets and byways, and also 
from the forces on the house-tops, all giving vent to 
their war cry and darkening the heavens with the 
missiles that they threw. Many of the bridges through- 
out the city were torn away and destroyed, thus hin- 
dering the progress of the soldiers, so that when even- 
ing neared they had not reached the principal part 
of the city, and consequently were compelled to retura 


144 ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND T0MAS80, 


to the shore without honors and with many of their 
numbers wounded. 

Fighting was carried on for several days without 
much loss to either side, until finally a small portion 
of the White Gods were engaged in fighting the 
natives, who ostensibly were retreating. The soldiers 
followed them toward the heart of the city, and when 
least expected the natives rushed upon them from the 
rear, cut off their retreat, fell on and punished them 
without merc3^ They were all fighting in close 
quarters. The natives were intermingled and fight- 
ing their adversaries with their swords and spears. 
Their numbers multiplied so fast that the soldiers, 
fearing the result, made an effort to return, but greatly 
to their surprise found the passageway over the canal 
destroyed. In the excitement they threw themselves 
in the canal, hoping in some way to escape to the 
other side. In their flight many were taken prisoners, 
for the soldiers had fallen into the trap intended for 
their capture. 

The chief of the White Gods barely escaped. He 
had learned of the battle and had come to lend his 
assistance, but finding the passageway destroyed, 
he remained on the opposite side from where the 
battle was fought. While standing there surveying 
the situation several large warriors attempted to cap- 
ture him. 

He was very strong, and with the aid of his assistants 
succeeded in rendering two of the warriors harmless, 
but both of his assistants were wounded, when another 
of his bodyguards came to his rescue just in time, for 
the warriors had overpowered and were tying him, 
preparatory to placing him in one of their water 


ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND T0MAS80. 145 


houses to be carried away. The other assistant 
drew his sword and dispatched the enemies, and with 
assistance placed the White Chief on his horse, and 
he was borne back to camp. He was injured some, but 
not seriously. 

This was a victorious day for the natives and they 
rallied in honor of their success. New fires, which at 
night lit up the country, were built on the hills. This 
greatly enthused the natives. The poor white 
prisoners had been taken away for sacrifice to the 
gods. That night the attention of the soldiers was 
attracted by a peculiar sound, and on looking in the 
direction of one of the principal temples they saw a 
bright light at the top, and beheld the native priests 
and warriors marching up the side of the temple with 
the white prisoners. When the top was reached the 
prisoners were led to the stone of sacrifice, where one 
of the priests in a long bloody robe bared the victim’s 
breast, cut his heart out, and threw the dying body to 
the howling mob below. 

The days following the natives spent in celebrating 
the victory over the White Gods by feasts and all 
manners of religious rites known to them. They became 
bold and declared their intention against their enemies, 
notwithstanding the fact that their supply of food was 
almost totally cut off, and they already felt the need of 
sufficient nourishment. 

On the other hand the White Gods felt the severe 
blow they had received. Many of their native allies 
became dissatisfied, lost faith in the supposed superior 
power of the soldiers, and decided to withdraw their 
forces from the city. 

The chief now proposed to reduce the city and con- 


146 ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO, 


quer the residents in a different manner. It was his 
purpose and wish, if possible, to conquer the people 
without destroying their buildings, but from the ex- 
perience in the streets and the difficulties in crossing 
the canals, he decided to proceed slowly, raze the 
buildings to the ground, and with the stones from the 
structures fill the canals, that they might not be ob- 
stacles in the way of the soldiers passing from one part 
of the city to the other. 

The constant demand for the use of poudre d canon 
reduced the supply until it was feared it would be ex- 
hausted before the city was captured. Some of the 
soldiers understood something of its manufacture, and 
could supply the wants of the army in this direction if 
they were provided with the proper articles. They 
had all the necessary ingredients, however, except 
soufre. It was finally decided to send a small body of 
soldiers to a volcano which was seen on their right as 
they came to the city, in quest of the much-needed 
article. Soldiers for this purpose were selected and 
started on the mission. Arriving at the base of the 
mountain, they ascended the slope without difficulty 
for a short distance, and then their path the remainder 
of the way was surrounded by many obstacles. 

As they journeyed upward and on, hour after hour, 
and the air became rare, they drew their breath with 
greater difficulty. The snow became deeper and the 
side of the mountain rougher and steeper. In many 
instances it was necessary for hours to travel around 
perpendicular points to avoid them. The trees soon 
faded from their sight in the rear, and occasionally 
they were met by great slides of snow on their down- 
ward course. When this occurred, the soldiers would 


ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND T0MAS80. 147 


bury themselves in the side of the mountain while the 
huge mass of frozen snow, ice and rocks passed over 
them, crushing everything before it and leaving a 
smooth path behind. Arising from their place of 
safety, they would proceed on and over the way thus 
left bare by the snowslide. 

At times they almost gave up the hope of success- 
fully carrying out the mission, but they would argue 
with one another, and in this way gain courage to 
press on. They at last reached the cinders, free from 
snow toward the top, but this was hard to pass over, 
as they were rough and soon cut through the foot- 
wear. On they went until they reached the top, and 
looked down into the hollow, smoking vacancy below. 
Ko soufre could be seen. It was decided to lower one 
of the party down into the crater to observe and, if 
possible, discover that for which they were sent. But 
which one of the party would be selected to go below, 
was the question that agitated the minds of all the 
men. It was decided by drawing strings, one of 
which was shorter than the rest. The leader of the 
party took his chances with his men, and he, by the 
arrangement, chanced to be the one selected to make 
the descent. 

A rope with which they were provided was fastened 
about his middle, and he was slowly lowered into the 
smoky, bubbling opening. Down, down he went, far 
beneath the vision of his companions. The heat was 
great, and the smoke so blinding, that he could with 
difficulty find soufre to fill the cloth bag with which 
he was provided. Hurriedly as possible from the 
rough cinders he secured a supply, and then signaling 
to his companions above by pulling the rope, he was 


148 ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND T0MA8S0, 

slowly brought to the edge of the crater, where his 
trusty companions grasped his hand and congratulated 
him on his bravery and success. They returned to 
the flat land below with less difficulty than they had 
experienced in their ascent, and then returned to the 
city, when in a short time the army was provided 
with a goodly supply of the much-needed article. 

According to the plans heretofore noticed, with his 
little band of followers, the White Chief succeeded in 
destroying many of the buildings, and with the stones 
filled the canals so that they were on a level with the 
rest of the city. This method of destruction was slow, 
but the consequences were sure. Fighting continued 
every day on all sides of the city, on land and on 
water. Although natives to the number of many 
thousands were killed in many of the engagements, 
the supply did not seem to diminish. The ways were 
constantly guarded to see that no food was brought 
from beyond the lake. As a consequence, the residents 
were soon dying from starvation. Their hunger led 
them to kill and devour rats and reptiles. The bark 
was peeled from the trees and devoured with avidity. 
Often in their destruction of the city, the White Gods 
found women and children dead, or so weak and help- 
less from starvation that they could not leave their 
houses and join their companions. 

The chief of the White Gods sent word by a mes- 
senger to the Emperor Quauhtemotzin, calling his at- 
tention to the helpless and dying condition of the 
natives, and asked him to surrender the city to him 
without the necessity of further destruction. 

Quauhtemotzin caused a meeting to be held of the 
priests and the chief rulers to consider the situation 


ADVENTURES OE FERDINAND TOMASJSO. 149 


and the request of the White Chief in regard to the 
condition of the natives. For himself he was bitterly 
opposed to the proposition, and refused to recognize 
the message in any way. All decided to act together 
and not surrender the city. Their supply of warriors, 
they argued, was yet great. As a result of this meet- 
ing they decided to, and did with one accord, march 
on their enemies, who were somewhat surprised at the 
unexpected assault; but the White Gods brought their 
guns to bear on them in a destructive manner which 
caused them to retreat with great loss. 

Day after day the destruction of the city continued. 
Each day revealed to the soldiers greater and additional 
horrors of the sufferings of the natives. The dead 
bodies found were more numerous, and as the buildings 
were torn down, lank, sick and weak figures could be 
seen making feeble efforts to reach a point of safety 
among their fellow men. A sorrowful sight to behold, 
yet Quahtemotzin refused to surrender. 

The White Gods now directed their forces against 
the temples and places of worship. One of the first to 
receive their attention was the one where on that 
memorable night they had beheld by the dim light 
some of their number offered up as sacrifice. Kesist- 
ance was offered, but forcing their way up the winding 
stairs amid a shower of arrows from above they finally 
reached the top, with the wide smooth surface. Here 
one of the fiercest little battles that it has ever been my 
luck to know of took place. The conflict meant im- 
mediate death to the conquered, for the victims were 
pushed over the edge, and their bodies bounding from 
one projection to another until they reached the 
ground. The White Gods, with death confronting 


150 adventurers OE FERDINAND TOMASSO. 


them, finally made one concerted effort and pushed all 
their enemies from the high battle ground, tore the false 
God away from its fastenings and threw it over the 
edge after those that had worshiped it. 

Around the altar and near the stone of sacrifice they 
found some of the heads of their old soldiers. This 
filled them with rage and revenge. They rushed to 
the bottom, set fire to the temple, and it was soon a 
burning mass from the top to the bottom. .The de- 
struction of the temple was mourned by the natives, 
and the priests wailed and cried, for they believed 
their gods would desert them if their temples were 
destroyed. 

The space of the city occupied by the natives was 
now very small and located in a worthless section. 
The White Gods again called on the natives for the 
purpose of making an assault, but first asked them to 
surrender. This was refused. The strong Tlascalans 
rushed among the weak natives, who were now so 
weak and sickly that they could not throw the stones 
and spears with much force, and many fainted in the 
effort. They offered but little resistance, for many of 
them were compelled to lean against one another, or 
against the buildings, for support while they were being 
slaughtered. The slaughter, for it was not a fight, 
continued until night. The narrow streets were 
obstructed by the dead and dying, piled over and on 
top of each other several deep. The soldiers returned 
at eventide to their quarters. That night was a sad 
one in the natives’ camp. There was no noise to 
disturb the peace except the moans of the dying and 
wounded. 

The White Gods prepared a great feast in the old 


ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO. 151 

market-place and invited the emperor as a guest, with 
the intention of asking him to deliver the city over to 
them. The emperor promised them that he would be 
there at the appointed time, but instead of that, when 
the time came, he sent some of his warriors with a 
trivial excuse for his absence. The bearers were 
treated with respect, furnished with food for them- 
selves, and also provided with a supply to be carried 
back for the emperor. Another day they invited him 
to a second feast for the same purpose. This invitation 
he also accepted, but when the time came failed to 
appear. 

The soldiers were now so enraged at this treatment 
that they attacked the remaining residents in their 
hampered quarters. They were weaker now than at 
any time heretofore. The spears and the stones from 
their weak arms fell with little damage to the White 
Gods and their Tlascalan allies. Many of the Aveaker 
natives that Avere not able to escape Avere killed, Avhile 
the stronger made but little pretense to defend them- 
selves, and made an effort to escape over the lake to the 
land beyond in their Avater houses. 

The soldiers did much damage to the fleeing resi- 
dents by the use of their large implements of war 
directed at the Avater houses of the natives. The lake 
in the vicinity Avas almost covered Avith natives, some of 
the stronger swimming, Avhile the weaker ones Avere 
rowing in their con Abeyances. 

A close Avatch was maintained lest in the excitement 
Quauhtemotzin might escape without their knowing it. 
But few of the White Gods had ever beheld his face, 
but from the appearance of one of the water houses, 
and the anxiety exhibited by its attendants as it was 


i52 ADVENTURm OF FEUDlNAm ^OMASSO. 


moving over the lake, it was thought that the emperor 
might be one of the occupants. By dexterity and 
great effort the party was overtaken, and the emperor 
gave himself up without resistance. He was brought 
before the chief of the White Gods, and there stated 
that he had made the greatest efforts of which he was 
capable to defend his people. Among other things, he 
asked that his wife might be cared for, and then 
implored his captors to take his life, for he was dis- 
appointed in the strength and ability of his subjects. 

His wife was very young and pretty. The years of 
maturity had not yet completed their work in round- 
ing her fair form. In her youthful years she did not 
realize the condition of her people, and when brought 
to her husband her childish joy was so great at seeing 
him again that the affairs of the present, or probably 
the future, were thrown into oblivion. She was a 
daughter of Moctheuzoma and had been trained with 
all the care known to her people. Her appearance was 
pleasing and her manners such as to command respect 
among the soldiers. 

When the news of the capture of Quauhtemotzin 
was known to all, hostilities ceased. The emperor 
requested that his people might be permitted to leave 
the city without harm to any of them, which request 
was granted. It was an interesting but sad sight to 
see the residents marching out of the city of which 
they had in times gone by been so proud. With but 
few exceptions all of them were sick and hungry, as 
their appearance readily indicated. They had secured 
what little remained of their belongings and with this 
were marching along, as fast as their condition would 
permit, over one of the causeways leading to the main- 


adventures op FERDINAND TOMASSO. 153 

land. When the land was reached the natives halted 
to take a farewell look at the ruins of their beloved 
city. 

As I stood and watched the procession of dis- 
appointed residents marching slowly along, I saw 
among the throng the haggard form of the female who 
had once before followed my first white friend in this 
country when he came to this city to see me. It was he 
that the natives termed White God number one. 

I had not seen him for many months, and when I first 
got a glimpse of this woman’s face I was filled with spec- 
ulation as to his welfare. From the spectacle that met 
my eye as she drew nearer, the fate that had met her 
husband was plain to me without further explanation. 
He had remained in the city and fought with the 
natives until he was killed in one of the combats with 
the soldiers. 

The same fervent love which she bore for him while 
he lived continued, and at his death increased almost 
to madness, for she was bearing his dead body with 
her, not content to leave it in the city where he had 
met his sad fate. 

It took three days’ time for all of the natives to pass 
out of the city. When finally all were on the opposite 
shore they bitterly wept, and with outstretched hands 
bemoaned the fate of their city, and bid farewell to 
their once happy and prosperous capital, while their 
priests administered to their spiritual wants as best 
they could and prayed for the protection of their 
gods. 

It was difficult to restrain the tears as I watched 
the natives leaving their homes, and truly I sorrowed 
with them, for my acquaintance gave me a bettor opin- 


154 ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO. 


ion of them and their intentions than was possessed by 
many of the soldiers. The principal objection that could 
be offered against them was in regard to their religion. 

True it is, they offered a human sacrifice, but how 
many other nations have done the same or paramount 
wrongs in times gone by ? This race of people was 
intelligent, capable, and the possibilities of their raising 
to a higher plain of civilization were encouraging, 
but what their future might have been will never be 
known. 

^^ot withstanding the fact that conquests similar to 
the one of which this is written have taken place at 
many times in other countries, and were considered 
legitimate modes of securing the possession of terriJ:ory, 
yet there is very much doubt in my mind as to the 
justice to both the conquered and the conquering 
nations by so doing. 

War is simply a multiplied fight. In civilized coun- 
tries men are taught that to fight over a matter of 
dispute is wrong, and that the law offers a mode of 
settling such differences. Why not settle national 
difficulties in the same way? Conquests, when not 
attended with the design to enlighten a people and 
place them on a higher plane of civilization, is to my 
mind unjust. 

In the exciting times that have passed since I came 
to this country, I have neglected to send you many of 
the letters that I have written. I find a part of them 
here, and occasionally try to imagine myself at home 
and void of my experience, and then attempt to read 
them to see how possibly you will construe them. In 
the main I believe them to be correct, and if you are 
permitted to peruse them, do so with the greatest faith 
ill wMt I have written. 


ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND TOMASSO. 155 

By writing my letters as I have, in a disconnected 
manner, I fear I have repeated the recording of some 
of the events in connection with others, and as I have 
not possession of all the letters at this time, I Avill 
not have the opportunity to correct where this may 
have occurred. 

Shortly I will leave this counJ:ry, with a small party 
of soldiers and Tlascalans, for the west, where I am in- 
formed we will reach a great body of water held back 
from the country by a rich high shore. I will deposit 
these letters in a safe place until I return. When 
that will be, I cannot tell, but will let you hear in the 
future of my adventures, if anything of importance 
transpires. 

Truly, your old schoolmate, 

Ferdinand Tomasso. 

To Charles Lewis, London, England. 





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